Israel’s treatment of Jerusalem’s holy sites in early 2026 exposed deep colonial and racist hierarchies in the city. In late February, Israeli authorities closed access to both Masjid Al-Aqsa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They cited security concerns tied to the ongoing Israel–US war on Iran. For Palestinians and Muslims across the world, the closure of Al-Aqsa during most of Ramadan, including Eid and which is ongoing, is a profound spiritual blow. It was enforced with military severity, including the barring of the Imam of Al-Aqsa, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Abbasi, from entering the sacred Sanctuary just before Ramadan. The closure after two weeks provoked condemnation from the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, this had little impact the Al-Aqsa remains closed.

When the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed and its religious leaders denied access, the response was swift. International outrage followed and Israel quickly reversed course. Access was restored. The symbolism was unmistakable. When Christians are blocked, the world notices. When Muslims are blocked, the world looks the other way.

What happened regarding the two Holy sites in Jerusalem is a lesson in privilege and power.

This incident highlights that Jerusalem is not administered fairly. Israeli colonialist policy shapes the city, creating a hierarchy among the occupied. This structure........

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