Dozens Pray at Western Wall as Al-Aqsa Mosque Stays Closed

Israel reopened the Al-Aqsa Mosque on April 9, 2026, after it had been closed during the early days of Passover. Dozens of worshippers had gathered at the Western Wall for Passover prayers while the mosque remained closed, affecting Muslim worshippers during an important religious period. The reopening may ease tensions in Jerusalem, where access to key religious sites is highly sensitive. However, Israel also extended settler raid hours, which could impact the security situation.