Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa Closure

A coalition of eight Muslim-majority countries has sharply condemned Israel for closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque for twelve consecutive days during the holy month of Ramadan, describing the measure as both illegal and unjustified. The denunciation was echoed by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, which called the action a serious violation of religious freedom.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, 11 March, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates asserted that Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its sacred sites constitute a clear breach of international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of free access to religious sites.

The statement emphasised that the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is exclusively designated for Muslim worship, and its administration falls under the Jerusalem Waqf Office, operating under Jordan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ministers categorically rejected Israel’s actions and urged the immediate reopening of mosque entrances and the lifting of restrictions on movement within the Old City.

They further stressed that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, highlighting the continuing need for the international community to take decisive action against violations of religious and humanitarian rights.

Israel, however, has defended its measures, citing security concerns linked to ongoing tensions with Iran. The Israeli authorities maintain that restrictions on access to the Old City and worship were necessary to prevent potential violence.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the closures, describing them as a blatant infringement of Palestinian rights, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Hamas also denounced the move, calling it a dangerous precedent and a clear violation of religious liberty.

Summary of Key Reactions

The ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque has intensified regional tensions, with Muslim nations calling for immediate intervention to uphold religious rights and prevent further escalation in Jerusalem.