JERUSALEM, April 9 -- The Al-Aqsa Mosque reopened to Muslim worshippers on Thursday, ending a 40-day closure imposed by Israel. The reopening allowed hundreds of Palestinians to access the holy site for the first time in weeks.

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Located within the Old City, Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites for Muslims and remains central to Palestinian aspirations, with East Jerusalem envisioned as the capital of a future independent state. Israel, however, claims the entire city as its undivided capital.

Witnesses described deeply emotional scenes as the gates reopened alongside the morning call to prayer. Worshippers poured into the compound, offering prayers and prostrations, wi...