On March 8, 2026, Israeli authorities began evacuating Israeli settlers and non-resident civilians from areas surrounding the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. The evacuation was carried out by Israeli police and security forces following heightened tensions and security concerns in the area.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as the Haram al-Sharif, is one of the most sensitive religious sites in the region and has been the focal point of repeated confrontations between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents. Israeli authorities stated that the evacuation was implemented as a precautionary security measure amid reports of potential unrest and threats in the Old City.
Security forces established checkpoints and restricted access to several streets and entry points leading toward the compound during the operation. Residents of nearby neighborhoods reported increased police presence and temporary closures of certain routes leading into the Old City.
Officials said the evacuation was intended to reduce the number of civilians present in the immediate vicinity of the mosque compound while security operations and assessments were being conducted. The measures were implemented as tensions continued in Jerusalem and other areas of the region.
