‘Al-Aqsa is a detonator’: six-decade agreement on prayer at Jerusalem holy site collapses

The Guardian World

by Julian Borger and Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The decades-long agreement regulating Muslim and Jewish prayer at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound has collapsed under pressure from Jewish extremists supported by the Israeli government, according to experts. This breakdown comes amid a series of provocative actions, including arrests of Muslim caretaker staff, bans on access for hundreds of Muslims, and incursions by radical Jewish groups. The situation escalated dramatically during Ramadan, with the arrest of Al-Aqsa’s imam and an Israeli police raid at the mosque during evening prayers. The collapse of this historic agreement, in place since 1967, marks a significant escalation in tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities at one of Islam’s most sacred sites. The compound has long been a flashpoint for religious and political conflicts, with competing claims over its ownership and access. While Israel maintains sovereignty over the site, the Jordanian Waqf has historically managed its operations, including prayer schedules and caretaker activities. However, recent actions by Jewish extremists and government-backed measures have disrupted this arrangement. The tensions reached a boiling point during Ramadan, a time of heightened religious sensitivity for Muslims. The imam’s arrest and the police raid on the first night of Ramadan sent shockwaves through the Muslim world, sparking condemnation from leaders and activists. These actions not only undermine the agreement but also risk further destabilizing an already volatile region. Experts warn that such provocations could escalate tensions and complicate efforts to maintain religious harmony at Al-Aqsa. This situation matters deeply to readers interested in global politics and religion. The Al-Aqsa compound is a symbol of religious and national identity for both Israelis and Palestinians, making it a critical flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. The collapse of the agreement could deepen divisions, hinder peace negotiations, and further destabilize an already fragile region. As tensions rise, the world watches with concern over the potential implications for religious coexistence and regional stability.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026