Under the state of emergency, Al-Aqsa Mosque is closed, and sirens sound in Jerusalem
Today, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes and missile attacks on Iran. Since early morning, sirens have sounded in Jerusalem, and multiple explosions have been heard overhead, alongside the activation of air defense systems.
During the state of emergency, the Israeli Home Front Command declared a transition from a "full activity" status to a "necessary activity only" status. This decision means no educational activities will take place, gatherings and assemblies are banned, and individuals are restricted from going to work unless they are in critical sectors. These measures are in effect from 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, until 8:00 PM on Monday, March 2.
Israeli authorities fully evacuated the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the ground, even though thousands of fasting worshippers were inside preparing for noon prayer on the eleventh day of Ramadan. Following the evacuation, the gates of Al-Aqsa were closed, with only guards permitted inside, resulting in an empty compound where no prayers were conducted.
The Old City of Jerusalem was also sealed off with iron barriers at all gates, allowing only residents to enter after identity checks. Since early morning, forces have been insistently urging the evacuation of the Damascus Gate area and closing shops, except for essential businesses.
Similarly, checkpoints at Jerusalem's entrances were shut down, and forces raided multiple towns and neighborhoods in the city, amid an unprecedented security alert in Jerusalem, aligned with regional military developments.
