From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Police preparing to reopen Jerusalem holy sites after Iran truce
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Police are preparing to reopen holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City for prayer and public gatherings tomorrow, in light of the two-week ceasefire declared last night.
This evening, the Home Front Command loosened its wartime safety guidelines, allowing for public gatherings in Jerusalem without limitations.
Following the announcement, Jerusalem District police are set to allow worshipers and visitors to gather in the Old City starting Thursday morning.
The Old City has been a focal point of controversy during the fighting with Iran, raising questions about freedom to worship during times of war.
Earlier this week, Jewish religious leaders filed a petition in the High Court of Justice demanding that restrictions be eased on public gatherings at the Western Wall and Temple Mount. Judges subsequently heightened the number of people permitted at the sites from 50 to 100.
Last month, police sparked international outcry after barring the Latin Patriarch from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. Police later reached an agreement with the Latin Patriarchate allowing for limited Christian prayer at the site.
During the latter half of Ramadan, law enforcement shut Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, leading Muslims to pray en masse outside the Old City walls on Friday mornings. Police violently dispersed several of these gatherings, citing Home Front Command regulations.
Police say they are expecting a large influx of people in the Old City tomorrow and, as such, are planning to deploy hundreds of officers to the area.
The Times of Israel Community.