Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was reopened on Thursday (April 9) after a 40-day closure by Israel, citing war restrictions.

Hundreds of Muslim worshippers gathered at dawn for the morning prayers, expressing their gratefulness to be able to visit the mosque after the long closure.

"I thank God for opening it for us, and I was prostrating for God in gratitude for opening it, hoping that it will stay open and will not close," said Jerusalem resident Ibrahim Abu Rmaileh.

Later on Thursday, a group of Jewish worshippers were also granted access and were seen walking inside the compound, a step seen as provocative by Muslim worshippers at the site.

Under a delicate decades-old "status quo" arrangement with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation and Jews can visit but may not pray there.

Israel had ordered the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque on February 28 following the attacks on Iran as part of its security measures, prompting an outcry from Muslim worshippers.

The reopening of the holy site came a day after a ceasefire declaration towards Iran by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (April 8).

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

JERUSALEM (APRIL 9, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. (NIGHT SHOT) MUSLIM WORSHIPPERS KNEELING WITH HEADS BOWED IN PRAYER

2. (NIGHT SHOT) VARIOUS OF MUSLIM WORSHIPPERS STANDING IN PRAYER

3. (NIGHT SHOT) MAN KNEELING IN FRONT OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) RESIDENT OF JERUSALEM, IBRAHIM ABU RMAILEH, SAYING: “They prevented us (from entry) for 40 days and this had a toll on us, so much. This mosque is the site of the Prophet's ascension which they closed before us and prevented us from it. I thank God for opening it for us, and I was prostrating for God in gratitude for opening it, hoping that it will stay open and will not close."

5. VARIOUS OF MUSLIM WORSHIPPERS STANDING IN PRAYER INSIDE MOSQUE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic)THE DIRECTOR OF AL-AQSA MOSQUE, SHEIKH OMAR AL-KISWANI, SAYING:

"After 40 days (of closure) Al-Aqsa Mosque was longing for its worshippers, since it was left with no worshippers for 40 days, and they were prevented from access and worship, but thank God for his mercy in letting us return and hold prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque. Our message is to set out for Al-Aqsa Mosque at all times so that it remains full of worshippers and prayers. May God bless all those who set out for prayers, may God bless them.”

7. INTERIOR OF MOSQUE

8. VARIOUS OF FEMALE MUSLIMS SITTING

9. (NIGHT SHOT) PEOPLE OUTSIDE MOSQUE

10. (NIGHT SHOT) MAN TAKING PHOTO OF MOSQUE WITH PHONE

11. (NIGHT SHOT) PEOPLE WALKING INSIDE JERUSALEM GATE

12. (NIGHT SHOT) EXTERIOR OF JERUSALEM GATE

13. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE MOSQUE

14. VARIOUS OF JEWISH WORSHIPPERS WALKING INSIDE MOSQUE COMPOUND WITH SECURITY ON STANDBY

15. PEOPLE WALKING / SECURITY ESCORTING MAN ON THE HORIZON

16. VARIOUS OF MAN HOSING WATER ON FLOOR