PBNU Condemns Israeli Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadhan as Serious Provocation Against Islam

The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has strongly condemned Israel’s move to close access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, Palestine, to Muslims during the month of Ramadhan 1447 H/2026 M. PBNU chairman KH Ahmad Fahrur Rozi stated that the Zionist action constitutes a serious provocation against Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, Tel Aviv has clearly violated international law principles and human rights (particularly the right to worship according to religious belief).

“We certainly strongly condemn Israel’s effort to close access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Palestinian Muslim worshippers during Ramadhan 2026. This closure is a serious provocation against Muslims and violates international law and human rights to worship at their sacred site,” said the figure commonly known as Gus Fahrur in an interview with Republika on Tuesday (17/3/2026).

He assessed that the move has the potential to worsen the situation in the Palestinian region, which has long been under prolonged tension.

For this reason, PBNU is urging the international community to immediately take concrete steps to protect the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and guarantee religious freedom for Muslims in the region.

Gus Fahrur called on the United Nations (UN) and the leaders of member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to immediately undertake firm diplomatic efforts to halt Israel’s actions.

“We urge the UN and OIC leaders to immediately take diplomatic action to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from Zionist Israeli sabotage,” he said.