The ancient streets of the Old City of Jerusalem have been deserted since the ongoing Middle East conflict erupted last month, with shops closed and worshipers from different faiths staying away from the holy sites inside the walls of the city.
On Feb 28, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran has responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region.
Since then, there have been at least two reports of shrapnel falling into Jerusalem's Old City -- once near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the other near the Jewish Quarter -- causing some damage.
Though no casualties were reported, the psychological impact on local residents has been significant.
Israeli authorities have closed holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City to safeguard public safety and security during the war and have restricted various activities in accordance with wartime guidelines set by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command.
Under the shadow of war, the iconic Western Wall, a hallowed destination for Jewish worshipers, has been closed to visitors, and the once bustling streets of the area are now almost empty.
War empties streets in Old City of Jerusalem
