Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa Closure

Eight countries from the Middle East and the broader Muslim world have issued a strong condemnation of Israel following the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for twelve consecutive days during the holy month of Ramadan. The decision has drawn criticism from Palestinian groups, including Hamas, which described the move as a violation of religious and civic rights.

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 called Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its sacred sites a direct breach of international law, international humanitarian law, and the principle of free access to religious sites.

The statement further emphasised that Israel’s actions in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, are “completely illegal and unjustified.” The ministers expressed their “full rejection and condemnation” of such measures, asserting that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

According to the declaration, the Jordanian Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa authorities, remains the sole legitimate administrative authority over the site. The ministers called on Israel to immediately reopen the mosque’s gates, lift restrictions on entry to the Old City, and ensure uninterrupted worship for Muslims. They also urged the international community to take effective steps to halt ongoing violations.

Israel, for its part, cited security concerns and heightened tensions with Iran as justification for imposing restrictions on access and worship in the Old City. However, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the closure as a clear violation of Palestinians’ religious and civil rights, a position confirmed by the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Hamas described the closure as “a dangerous precedent in history and a direct assault on religious freedom,” warning that international intervention is essential to safeguard the autonomy of holy sites.

Muslim Nations Involved in Condemnation

The coordinated response from these nations has brought Israel’s controversial actions at Al-Aqsa to the forefront of international discussion, highlighting concerns over the protection of religious freedoms and compliance with international law.