Israel shuts Palestinian shops to facilitate Jewish prayers in Jerusalem’s Old City

Israeli forces have ordered dozens of Palestinian shops in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem to close, restricting access to streets leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The closure covers more than 50 shops and took effect on Sunday morning, the third day of the Sukkot holiday. It is due to remain in place until 2 October. The shops are located in the Muslim Quarter, along streets leading to Bab al-Qattanin (Cotton Merchants' Gate), one of the main gates to Al-Aqsa used by Palestinian worshippers. On Sunday night, hundreds of Israelis gathered in the area for holiday rituals. Palestinian residents were ordered to remain indoors, while the Bab al-Qattanin leading to Al-Aqsa was closed. Read more: Israel shuts Palestinian shops to facilitate Jewish prayers in Jerusalem’s Old City Israeli men pray before the Bab al-Qattanin (the Cotton Merchants' Gate) of the Al-Aqsa Mosque during morning prayers for Sukkot in occupied East Jerusalem on 28 September 2026 (John Wessels/AFP)