By:Abdullahi Inuwa
A group of prominent Muslim-majority nations has issued a strong joint condemnation of Israel’s decision to restrict access to one of Islam’s holiest sites, warning that the move violates international law and threatens the religious status quo in Jerusalem.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt condemned what they described as the continued closure of the gates of Al‑Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The ministers expressed deep concern over the security restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its religious sites, saying the measures amount to discrimination and arbitrary limitations on freedom of worship.
According to the joint communiqué, the restrictions represent a “flagrant violation of international law,” including international humanitarian law and the long-standing historical and legal status quo governing holy places in Jerusalem.
The statement also strongly rejected what the ministers described as provocative actions by Israel at the sacred compound known to Muslims as Al‑Haram Al‑Sharif, warning that continued restrictions on worshippers could inflame tensions across the region.
They emphasized that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, reiterating that the entire 144-dunam compound of Al‑Aqsa Mosque remains exclusively a Muslim place of worship.
The ministers further stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al‑Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department — operating under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs — is the only legally recognized authority responsible for administering the affairs of the mosque and regulating entry into the holy compound.
Calling for urgent action, the ministers urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the gates of the mosque and remove all restrictions preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the site.
They also appealed to the international community to take a firm stance and compel Israel to halt what they described as ongoing violations against both Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The issue surrounding access to Al‑Aqsa Mosque — the third holiest site in Islam — has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Restrictions during Ramadan, when thousands of Muslims traditionally gather at the mosque for prayers, often heighten tensions in the region.
Diplomatic observers say the unified stance by eight influential Muslim nations signals growing international pressure over the management and protection of religious sites in Jerusalem.
As the holy month continues, global attention remains fixed on the city, where access to sacred spaces continues to shape both religious devotion and geopolitical tensions.
