• The government is easing restrictions in a gradual way after two months of lock down. It was due to the spread of Corona Virus

• Since the  opening  of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinians flood the compound in long queues. They came for dawn prayers chanting “God is Great”

Crowds Cry While Performing Sajda as they Enter Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine. Mosques in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem reopen this week to Palestinians. They open as the government is easing restrictions in a gradual way after two months of lock down. They closure was due to the spread of Corona virus. Ministry of Religious Affairs imposed several precautions and guidelines to reduce the risk of the virus spreading in the impoverished and blockaded coastal enclave. Moreover, extensive cleaning has taken place to make sure the mosques are safe for people to use.

In addition, worshipers had their temperatures checked before entering the mosques. They also have to stand at a distance of 2 meters from each other. Despite the fact that there is no cases inside the Gaza strip. Still, the management told worshipers to wear masks and bring their own prayer mats.

Since the opening of the Al-Aqsa mosque, Palestinians flood the compound  in long queues. They are coming for dawn prayers, chanting “God is great”. While others kiss the ground. Several videos also went viral on social media showing Jerusalemites teared up in strong emotional scenes as they poured in through the gates.

Om Jamil, one of Murabetat says, “Even through this pandemic, the occupation forces have never stopped their daily judaization to Al-Aqsa mosque.” They took advantage of this lock down to implement some of their plans, she adds.

When was Al-Aqsa mosque closed?

The Mosques had closed their doors in March as part of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

There are total of 500 infections and three deaths in the West Bank and Gaza. Sixty-nine cases are in Gaza due to Gazans who came from outside. They are all in quarantine in a separate facility and no cases were there inside Gaza yet. In Israel, there are more than 17,000 cases, including 284 deaths.

Alaa Allouh, prayer caller explains ” we urged the people to refrain from greeting each other with hugs or handshakes”. He also shares that People had to carry out their usual washing ritual of ablution at home, because washrooms at mosques will remain closed.

The danger still exists, as there are many cases also in the neighboring countries and many Palestinians are overseas and are expected to return to Palestine. The current condition calls for adapting to the virus with various protocols and precautions because since there is no significant reduction in cases and no vaccine or treatment, there is no other choice.