Israel briefly closes Al-Aqsa gate for military drills

Israel briefly closes Al-Aqsa gate for military drills Israeli forces briefly closed one of the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, citing military exercises. The Palestinian Authority's Jerusalem Governorate said the drills were carried out in the mosque's courtyards and lasted around 30 minutes. Although only the King Faisal Gate was shut, the governorate said Israeli forces imposed heightened security measures at the complex's other entrances, disrupting worshippers' access. The closure comes amid a steady escalation of Israeli measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Read more: Israel briefly closes Al-Aqsa gate for military drills Palestinians walk near the Dome of the Rock inside Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem, 23 June 2026 (Ammar Awad/Reuters)