Israel bans Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque despite Purim celebrations proceeding Israel has banned Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing the “security situation” amid the war with Iran, while Jewish Purim celebrations have been allowed to take place elsewhere in the city. Palestinians accuse Israel of using the war as a pretext to empty Al-Aqsa Mosque of worshippers, particularly during Ramadan, when tens of thousands of people would normally...