In occupied Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque once again became a center of tension when pro-Aqsa activist Muntaha Amara was arrested by Israeli police upon arriving to offer prayers at the mosque. The incident occurred on the day the mosque was reopened after remaining closed for 40 days—a moment that thousands of worshippers had been waiting for.
According to Muntaha Amara, she had passed all security checks, but was suddenly detained upon reaching the Bab Hitta area. She was taken to the Qishla police station, where she was held for several hours. Although she was later released, it came with conditions—a one-week ban on entering the mosque and an order to appear again the following week. She was also informed that this restriction could be extended to up to six months in the future.
This is not just a single arrest, but a reflection of the larger, long-standing dispute surrounding this sacred site. Amara clearly stated that under the current circumstances, the mosque appears to be under complete Israeli control, while Jordan’s custodial role now seems merely symbolic.
Meanwhile, as the mosque’s doors opened with the Fajr call to prayer, a large number of Palestinian worshippers gathered there. Many were in tears and expressed their emotions by offering prostrations of gratitude. The scene underscored that Al-Aqsa is not merely a place of worship, but a powerful symbol of faith and identity.
Muntaha Amara made her intentions clear, stating that even if she is prevented from entering the mosque, she will still offer prayers at the closest possible point to it. For her, the connection to this sacred place is stronger than any restriction.