AdvertisementAdvertisementAn ultra-Orthodox Jewish man prays ahead of the Jewish new year at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. (Photo: AP/Sebastian Scheiner, File)06 Apr 2026 05:18AM Bookmark Bookmark WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedInAdd CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results.Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST JERUSALEM: Israel’s Supreme Court on Sunday (Apr 5) authorised an increase in the number of worshippers allowed at the Western Wall to 100, up from 50 imposed under wartime restrictions.The ruling came in response to a petition by a non-governmental organisation, with the court saying the revised limit would take effect immediately.The judges also gave the state until Apr 7 to justify its broader “protection policy regarding holy sites” amid ongoing security measures.RESTRICTIONS TIED TO IRAN CONFLICTAccess to major religious sites in Jerusalem has been tightly restricted since the start of US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28, which triggered heightened security across the Old City.Show MoreShow LessAuthorities had imposed limits on gatherings citing the risk posed by ongoing missile and rocket fire from Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.Under wartime guidelines, gatherings of more than 50 people have been banned across Israel.Trump threatens Iranian power plants, bridges in expletive-laden social media postIsrael renews strikes on Lebanon, forces Syria border crossing to closeUS rescues airman from Iran as Trump, Israel ratchet up pressureHOLY SITES UNDER SECURITY MEASURESThe restrictions have affected some of the world’s most significant religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.The Old City, located in annexed east Jerusalem, is a focal point for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and has been under increased security since the escalation of the conflict.Source: AFP/fsSign up for our newslettersGet our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inboxSubscribe hereGet the CNA appStay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best storiesDownload hereGet WhatsApp alertsJoin our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat appJoin hereAlso worth readingContent is loading...Expand to read the full storyGet bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try.Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FASTFAST