Holy sites in Jerusalem reopen after end of Iran-Israel conflict

Muslim, Christian, and Jewish holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem have reopened after a 12-day closure imposed in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation.

According to multiple religious administrative boards, the decision to reopen was taken after consultations with Israeli authorities.

These sacred sites had been closed not only due to the recent military tensions but also over fears of potential religious unrest. This was the first such closure since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Israeli authorities had restricted access to East Jerusalem for non-residents and sealed off sensitive religious areas to prevent unrest during the height of hostilities.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, has now been fully reopened under the administration of Jordan’s Islamic Waqf. Muslims are once again free to perform prayers there without restrictions.

Similarly, Christian worshippers have regained access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (known in Arabic as Kanisat al-Qiyama), located just 800 feet from Al-Aqsa.

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According to Christian belief, the church houses the tomb of Jesus Christ. Interestingly, the custodianship of the church remains with the Muslim al-Husseini family of Jerusalem, who have maintained it for generations.

The Western Wall — considered the most sacred site for Jews — has also been reopened, although attendance remains low in the wake of recent tensions. During the conflict, this area stood largely deserted.

Last Friday, only 500 Muslims were allowed to enter Al-Aqsa, a fraction of the usual turnout. With the lifting of restrictions, life in East Jerusalem is expected to gradually return to normal.