Day two of the war: Sirens and loud explosions in Jerusalem; Al-Aqsa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher remain closed
On the second day of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, explosions and sirens persisted in and around Jerusalem, as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher stayed closed amid the declared state of emergency.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center stated that the loudest explosions occurred in the evening. Reports indicate that missile fragments and the missile itself landed in various parts of Jerusalem, such as the Mount of Olives area and nearby regions, a main street near the Ramot settlement close to Shu’fat, and several other sites.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that they transported a woman who was injured during an Iranian missile strike in Jerusalem.
A missile strike in the Beit Shemesh area, west of Jerusalem, resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries, with four people critically wounded.
The area experienced extensive destruction, including damaged buildings and burned vehicles. The siege of the Old City continues, with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher fully shut down. The Old City and nearby neighborhoods seem nearly empty, as schools are closed and gatherings are banned.
Despite the siege and closure, the call to prayer persists at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with prayers still conducted by the limited staff of the Islamic Waqf Department.
This occurs as large crowds are anticipated, both at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan and at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during the fasting period before Easter.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted raids in multiple neighborhoods and areas of Jerusalem.
