In Israel, synagogues and mosques closed due to military conflict

Believers on the territory of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem on February 27, 2026. Photo AP/Mahmoud Illean

On the morning of February 28, 2026, after the start of the military operation by Israel and the USA against Iran, the Israeli rear command announced a ban on mass events due to the threat of retaliatory strikes. This is reported by the religionnews website.

The restrictions affected not only schools, airports and enterprises, but also churches, mosques and synagogues. For Muslims observing Ramadan and for Jews preparing for the Purim holiday, the closure of houses of prayer, media comment, has become a severe trial. It is noted that Christians are also expressing concern in anticipation of Holy Week.

Authorities introduced unprecedented measures, closing the Old City of Jerusalem to everyone except residents, clergy and essential services personnel. This refers to the area where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are located.

If on the eve of the strikes up to 80,000 people were able to pray at Al-Aqsa, then mass prayer remains in question for the upcoming Friday. On Saturday, on the day of the Jewish Sabbath, believers who were in synagogues interrupted their prayers to take shelter in bomb shelters.

Clergy continue to conduct services, however the churches remain virtually empty.

"Priests will celebrate mass as usual, but no one will be able to come," stated Farid Jubran, press secretary of the Jerusalem Catholic Patriarchate.

As the UOJ wrote, in Jerusalem the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed due to security threats.

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