OIC Condemns Al-Aqsa Mosque Closure by Israel During Ramadhan

The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation authorities. The Zionist entity has prevented worshippers from entering the site for eight consecutive days.

The OIC characterised the action as a flagrant violation of the sanctity of holy sites and the right to freedom of worship, as well as a provocation against the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

On Monday 9 March 2026, the OIC General Secretariat warned that the continuation of violations and systematic attacks on occupied Jerusalem and its holy sites would trigger cycles of violence and tension, further destabilising the region.

Previously, Israel cancelled Friday prayers and completely closed all holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem on Friday 6 March 2026. The closure coincided with ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has lasted more than a week.

This drastic measure was announced by the Head of Israel’s Civil Administration, Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim. He justified the closure on security grounds, citing a barrage of Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel in recent days. “All holy sites, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa), and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, will remain closed. Pilgrims of any religion are not permitted to enter,” he stated, according to reports from Al Jazeera.