Iranian Missiles Threaten To Damage Jerusalem’s Holiest Sites As Debris Rains Down

Fragments from an Iranian missile barrage fell across parts of Jerusalem’s holiest sites on Monday, including on the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and near the Western Wall plaza, according to Israeli police.

Authorities said several interceptions were carried out over the city as Iran launched missiles toward Jerusalem, but fragments — including large ones — from intercepted projectiles and missile debris fell in multiple locations throughout the Old City.

“Today, Iranian missiles rained debris over Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Jewish Quarter,” the police said. “The enemy makes no distinction between religions, synagogues, mosques, or churches.”

Today, Iranian missiles rained debris over Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Jewish Quarter.

Police officers are currently on the ground securing the scenes and collecting missile debris which targeted our civilians. What we… pic.twitter.com/5BNplM0i85

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) March 16, 2026

Police said impact sites were identified near the Western Wall plaza at the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre compound, and in the area of the Jewish Quarter.

Additional fragments were also discovered in central Jerusalem and parts of East Jerusalem.

Israeli police, bomb disposal units, and special forces from the Jerusalem District quickly responded to the scenes, cordoning off affected areas while sappers worked to collect debris and ensure no further risk remained to the public.

An Iranian missile exploded over Jerusalem’s Old City. Its fragments fell on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Armenian Patriarchate, the Jewish Quarter and on the Temple Mount near the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Iranian regime is firing missiles toward Jerusalem’s holy sites,… pic.twitter.com/8vKyURiGVW

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) March 16, 2026

Authorities emphasized that the decision to close holy sites to worshippers and visitors followed a security assessment intended to protect civilians, particularly because the Old City has very limited protected shelters.

One person was lightly hurt after touching a hot fragment, according to Magen David Adom. 

Israel was condemned last week by several Muslim-majority countries after restricting worship on the Temple Mount due to safety concerns from Iranian missile attacks. Other sites were similarly closed, along with schools and many workplaces. 

Eight Islamic countries said Israel’s decision to close the compound — which Muslims call Al-Aqsa Mosque or Al-Haram Al-Sharif — to Muslim worshippers was “discriminatory” and violated international law. The countries that signed on to the statement included Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

The Western Wall is also closed. Schools are closed. Many workplaces are closed. Gatherings of over 50 are banned as the war continues. 

“What we experienced today emphasizes the significance of the Home Front Command life-saving guidelines, which include public closures of holy sites given the very limited protected shelters in the area,” the police said.

Jerusalem’s Old City is home to some of the holiest sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, drawing millions of worshippers and tourists each year.