Indonesia and Islamic World Condemn Israeli Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan
The Government of Indonesia, together with a coalition of Arab and Islamic nations, has issued a strong condemnation of the provocative actions of the Israeli Zionist regime in completely closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex. This unilateral step has prevented Muslim worshippers from performing prayers at the holy site during the sacred month of Ramadan 1447 H.
The joint statement was issued by the Indonesian Foreign Minister together with Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Through an official statement monitored in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026, these senior diplomats emphasised full rejection of Israel’s illegal actions.
In the joint statement released via social media platform X by the Saudi Arabia Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Ministers affirmed that Israel has absolutely no sovereignty over the occupied East Jerusalem territory, including sites sacred to Islam and Christianity.
“The Foreign Ministers affirm full rejection and strong condemnation of this illegal and unjustifiable step, as well as Israel’s provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and against worshippers,” the collective statement read.
The restriction of access to the Old City of Jerusalem is viewed as a serious violation of international law and international humanitarian law. This action is also considered to undermine the historic status quo that designates the Jerusalem Endowments Department (under Jordan) as the sole legitimate entity authorised to manage access to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to reports from the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque gates has continued for 11 consecutive days until Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The Israeli regime has justified the closure as an emergency security procedure related to the escalation of their military conflict with Iran.
However, the international community views this action as apparent religious discrimination. Indonesia and other Muslim nations are urging the international community to take immediate firm action to halt harassment of the sanctity of places of worship in Jerusalem.
The Foreign Ministers have urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately undertake the necessary measures to restore access to the holy site and respect the historic status quo.
The situation in Jerusalem is currently reported to be extremely tense, with strict security forces maintaining tight surveillance at every corner of the Old City. This closure of the third holiest site in Islam is feared to trigger a wave of larger protests throughout the Islamic world, given the sensitivity of Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
The Indonesian Government through the Foreign Ministry continues to maintain intensive communication with member states of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Co-operation) to ensure protection of the rights of worshippers and the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque is maintained.