Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopen After Truce, Bringing Emotional Reunions

JERUSALEM: Following a truce, Jerusalem's revered holy sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have reopened after 41 days of closure. Worshippers returned to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, experiencing profound emotion.

Thousands gathered for dawn prayers at Al-Aqsa, Islam's third holiest site. For Christians, mass was celebrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, encompassing sites of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Jewish worshippers also returned to the Western Wall, revering it as the site of ancient Jewish temples.

The reopening follows a truce with Iran, which had been preceded by a US-Israeli attack on February 28. While holy sites in Jerusalem are now accessible, restrictions remain near the Lebanese border where conflict continues.