Israel closes Al-Aqsa for Muslims amid mass settler raids and ‘Flag March’

NEWS SUMMARY

Israeli forces blocked Palestinian Muslims from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday and facilitated raids by approximately 800 ultranationalist Israeli settlers ahead of the "Flag March" through occupied East Jerusalem's Old City, with worshippers reportedly assaulted and age-restricted entry imposed. The incursions, which included government ministers and MPs, violated the internationally recognized status quo designating Al-Aqsa as an exclusively Muslim place of worship, with further raids threatened for Friday amid calls from Israeli coalition members to expand access during Jerusalem Day celebrations.

Full BriefOn request

Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Thu, 05/14/2026 - 11:50 The lockdown in Jerusalem’s Old City comes amid fears of further raids on Friday, which coincides with Nakba Day Israeli settlers dance and wave flags in the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem during the "Jerusalem Day" parade on 14 May 2026 (Ilia Yefimovich/AFP) Off Israeli forces violently blocked Palestinian Muslims from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, as they facilitated large-scale raids by ultranationalists ahead of the “Flag Mar

Israel closes Al-Aqsa for Muslims amid mass settler raids and ‘Flag March’

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