Israel Reopens Major Holy Site After Prolonged Closure

On Thursday, officials in Israel announced the reopening of the country’s largest holy site, which had been closed for over six weeks. This decision came after the Israeli police, following a two-week ceasefire declared on Tuesday, relaxed previous restrictions.

The closure had been instated on February 28, shortly after a U.S.-Israeli operation targeting Iran. Notably, missile fragments from Iranian strikes had fallen near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

According to reports, another missile earlier landed close to the densely populated Temple Mount, a significant location for both Muslims visiting the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as Jewish worshipers praying at the Western Wall.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the aim of the closure was to protect the safety of worshipers. They also remarked, “While the Iranian regime fires missiles at civilians of all religions, even at holy sites in Jerusalem during Ramadan, Israel protects the lives and safety of all worshipers.”

The closures coincided with significant religious periods, including the concluding days of Ramadan for Muslims, the entire Christian Holy Week, and the Jewish Passover, which led to considerable public backlash.

Following the prevention of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from conducting a Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office permitted church leaders to conduct services at their respective holy sites throughout Holy Week.

Reports indicate that many Muslims and Jews returned to the Temple Mount on Thursday for prayers. Additionally, Orthodox Christians are preparing for Easter Sunday celebrations, anticipating large gatherings at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

As this reopening unfolds, a fragile ceasefire aimed at advancing a peace deal between the United States and Iran continues, even as Israel resumes its military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.