The reopening of Masjid Al-Aqsa after 40 days of closure by Israel comes with greater access for Israeli settlers. They will now be allowed to enter Masjid Al Aqsa for extended periods; 6:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm. This amounts to seven and a half hours of daily access, a significant increase .

This change reflects a policy of gradual increasing settler presence, using time-based partitioning as a way to reshape control over Masjid Al-Aqsa. A similar strategy was used by Israel, regarding the Ibrahimi mosque, where shared access was a step toward full control.

The 40-day closure of Al-Aqsa was a deliberate action to test how Muslims around the world would respond to being denied access to one of our three holiest sites.

We should not view the opening of Masjid Al Aqsa with relief. We should understand that this shows Israel has authority over Masjid Al Aqsa and grant or restrict access.

This closure should be seen as part of a broader strategy by Israel to reduce Palestinian authority and presence at Masjid Al-Aqsa, while increasing Israeli control.

The Israeli Supreme Court and military authority effectively decide when and how worship can take place, diminishing the role of the Islamic Waqf, which has traditionally overseen the site.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, a man who has glorified mass murderers of worshippers, views Al-Aqsa as a site to be "shared" only as a prelude to its complete Judaization.

Al-Aqsa is a symbol for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide. The concern is that these developments form part of a wider effort to reshape control over Jerusalem and diminish Palestinian presence.

For this reason, this moment should not be seen as one of relief, but as a turning point. It highlights the need for increased awareness, unity, and effort. More than ever, it is a time to work harder to liberate Masjid Al-Aqsa, to protect its status, and to ensure that its significance is not gradually eroded.