The Temple Mount is closed in Jerusalem, because of the coronavirus

23 March 2020


Due to the coronavirus pandemic, access to the Temple Mount is closed to Muslim believers, Jews and tourists.


Earlier,  the al-Aqsa mosque was closed. It was decided to hold prayers in the courtyard of the Muslim temple.


The al-Aqsa mosque and Qubbat al-Sakhrah (Dome of the Rock), which are revered as the third most important Shrine in the Muslim world, are situated on the Temple Mount.


Thousands of Arab-Israelis and Palestinians traditionally flock here for Friday prayers.


According to the latest data, the number of diagnosed cases of coronavirus in Israel has reached 1238, 24 people are in serious condition. In Palestine, the number of cases of coronavirus infection is approaching 60.


In the world, more than 266 thousand people have been infected with the coronavirus, and more than 11 thousand  died.

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Creative Commons