Eight Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned Israel’s continued closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan, calling the move a serious violation of international law and religious freedoms.
The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement criticizing Israeli restrictions that have prevented Palestinian worshippers from accessing the mosque and surrounding areas of the Old City for 12 consecutive days.
Joint Statement Condemns Restrictions on Worship
In their joint declaration released Wednesday, the ministers described the closure as a “flagrant violation of international law”, including international humanitarian law and the long-standing historical and legal status quo governing religious sites in Jerusalem.
The statement said Israel’s measures restricting Palestinian access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its holy places undermine the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship.
The ministers also rejected what they described as “illegal and unjustified measures” against Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known in Islam as Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
According to the statement, Israel “has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.”
Role of Jordan in Administering the Site
The statement reaffirmed that the entire compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively designated for Muslim worship.
It also highlighted the authority of the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which operates under Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. The body is recognized as the legal administrator responsible for managing the mosque and its affairs.
Jordan has historically played a key custodial role in overseeing Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.
The ministers called on Israel, described in the statement as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the mosque gates and remove restrictions preventing Palestinians from reaching the site.
Israeli Security Justifications
Israeli authorities have defended the restrictions, saying they are necessary due to heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel.
As part of these measures, Israeli forces have imposed strict limitations on entry into Jerusalem’s Old City and the mosque compound.
However, Palestinian officials argue that the closure is part of a broader pattern of restrictions affecting Palestinian religious and civil rights.
Palestinian and Hamas Reactions
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the continued closure, describing it as a “blatant violation of Palestinian rights.”
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the ministry urged the international community to intervene and pressure Israel to end the restrictions.
Meanwhile, Hamas also criticized the decision, warning that the prolonged closure sets a “dangerous historical precedent” and undermines freedom of worship for Muslims.
Growing International Concerns
The closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan has drawn widespread attention across the Muslim world, where the site holds deep religious significance as Islam’s third-holiest shrine.
For millions of Muslims, Ramadan is a time when worshippers traditionally gather at the mosque for prayers, particularly during nightly Tarawih and the final days of the holy month.
Diplomatic observers warn that restrictions on such a sensitive religious site could further inflame tensions in the region.
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FAQs
Why is the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque controversial?
The closure is controversial because Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites. Restricting access during Ramadan is seen by many Muslim-majority countries as a violation of religious freedom and international law.
Which countries condemned Israel’s decision?
Eight countries, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, jointly condemned the closure in a coordinated statement.
How long has Al-Aqsa Mosque been closed?
According to reports, Israeli authorities have restricted access to the mosque and the Old City of Jerusalem for 12 consecutive days.
Who administers Al-Aqsa Mosque?
The Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, operating under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is responsible for managing the mosque compound.
What reason has Israel given for the closure?
Israeli authorities say the restrictions are due to security concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions and the conflict involving Iran.
Conclusion
The closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan has triggered strong diplomatic backlash from several Arab and Islamic nations, reflecting the deep religious and political sensitivities surrounding the site. As calls grow for Israel to reopen the mosque and ease restrictions on worshippers, the issue highlights the broader tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s holy sites and the fragile balance that governs access to one of the world’s most contested religious landmarks.
