Eight Arab, Islamic Countries Condemn Israeli Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque
By: Abudu Olalekan
Eight Arab and Islamic nations have come out strongly against Israel’s ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. And this isn’t just a one-day thing—the closure has stretched into its 12th consecutive day during Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims worldwide.
Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Wednesday, pulling no punches in their condemnation. The foreign ministers from these countries didn’t mince words either.
According to their statement, Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access to the old city of Jerusalem and its sacred places of worship represent a “flagrant violation to international law.” They specifically mentioned international humanitarian law, the historical and legal status quo, and the fundamental principle of unrestricted access to places of worship. These aren’t small accusations.
The statement went further. “The Ministers affirmed their absolute rejection and condemnation of this illegal and unjustified measure, as well as Israel’s continued provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif and against worshippers.” They made it crystal clear that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites. Period.
Now here’s something important that many people might not know. The entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is “exclusively” for Muslims. The Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs department—which falls under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs—is recognized as the “legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction” over the site.
So what do these eight countries want? Simple, really. They’re calling on Israel, as the occupying Power, to immediately cease the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates. They want access restrictions to the Old City of Jerusalem removed. And they’re demanding that Israel stop obstructing Muslim worshippers from accessing the mosque.
But it doesn’t end there. The ministers also called on the international community to step up and compel Israel to stop what they described as “ongoing violations.” Because condemnations without action don’t change much on the ground, do they?
Israeli forces have defended their position by imposing strict restrictions on worshippers and access to the Old City. Their justification? “Security” measures resulting from the ongoing war against Iran. That’s the official line anyway.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn’t buying it though. On Wednesday, they said the continued closure emphasized that these policies were a “blatant violation of Palestinian rights.” This was reported by Wafa, the Palestinian news agency. The ministry’s statement adds another layer to the growing international criticism.
Hamas also weighed in on Tuesday, condemning the continued closure in strong terms. They described it as setting a “dangerous historical precedent” and called it a “blatant violation” of the freedom of worship. When different groups—from governments to political movements—all echo similar concerns, it shows just how serious this situation has become.
The timing makes this even more sensitive. Ramadan is when Muslims worldwide increase their prayers and spiritual devotion. For many Palestinians, praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque during this holy month holds deep religious significance. Being denied access during this particular time hits differently than it would during other periods of the year.
This closure has sparked anger and frustration not just in Palestine, but across the Muslim world. Al-Aqsa Mosque isn’t just another religious site—it’s the third holiest site in Islam. Millions of Muslims consider it sacred, which explains why this issue resonates so deeply across borders.
The question now is whether international pressure will mount enough to change the situation on the ground. Eight countries speaking with one voice is significant. But turning diplomatic statements into actual change? That’s always been the harder part.
As Ramadan continues, worshippers remain locked out. The gates stay closed. And the condemnations keep coming.
