Ammon News - Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalaileh, affirmed that the reopening of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers represents the resumption of religious life and the return to performing prayers within its courtyards, after a closure that lasted more than 40 days.

Khalaileh noted that the reopening came as a result of efforts led by Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, within the framework of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and His Majesty’s ongoing commitment to protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque and ensuring freedom of worship there.

He added that large numbers of worshippers began arriving with down hours early Thursday morning, in a deeply moving spiritual scene reflecting the strong attachment of Muslims to Al-Aqsa Mosque and their determination to exercise their right to access it and perform their religious duties.

He stressed that ministry staff continue to organize the entry of worshippers and provide a suitable environment for prayers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constant presence at the mosque and strengthening steadfastness despite ongoing challenges.

Khalaileh reaffirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque, in its full area of 144 dunams, is an exclusive right for Muslims, not subject to division or sharing, and is a purely Islamic place of worship, rejecting any attempts to alter its identity or impose a different reality.

For his part, the Director General of the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Affairs Department stated that initial estimates indicate that around 6,000 worshippers performed the dawn prayer, with more continuing to arrive at the mosque.