Eight Muslim Nations Strongly Condemn Israel's Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Including Indonesia
Eight Arab and Muslim nations have condemned the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex by Israel, which has continued for 12 consecutive days during the holy month of Ramadan. The closure has been accompanied by strict restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The eight nations issuing condemnation are Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, the foreign ministers of these countries deemed the restrictions on access to places of worship in Jerusalem a serious violation of international law.
“The Ministers reaffirm their absolute rejection and condemnation of these illegal and unjustified actions, as well as the continued provocative actions by Israel at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and against worshippers,” the statement read, as reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
In the same statement, the ministers also affirmed that Israel does not possess sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city. They described the restriction of access to places of worship as a violation of international humanitarian law and as contrary to the historical status quo and legal arrangements that have long applied in the region.
The ministers further emphasised that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is a place of worship exclusively designated for Muslims. They added that the legitimate managing authority over the complex is the Department of Endowments of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, which operates under the jurisdiction of Jordan’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
In their statement, the ministers called upon Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and lift restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem. They also demanded that Muslim worshippers be granted freedom to worship without obstacles.
Furthermore, the eight nations urged the international community to take steps to pressure Israel to halt what they characterised as ongoing violations of Palestinian rights and freedom of worship.
Israeli authorities stated that the restrictions were implemented for security reasons. Israeli forces have imposed strict control over access to the Old City of Jerusalem amid the ongoing conflict situation.
However, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry viewed the policy as a flagrant violation of Palestinian rights. Hamas also condemned the closure, describing it as a dangerous action that infringes on freedom of worship.