Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israel for Closing Al-Aqsa Mosque

Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE released a joint statement describing the move as a flagrant violation of international law. The foreign ministers of these countries emphasized that restricting access to Jerusalem’s Old City and its holy sites contradicts international humanitarian law and the universal principle of freedom of worship.

The joint statement categorically rejected Israel's provocative actions against the mosque and worshippers, asserting that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian sanctuaries. The ministers reiterated that the entire Al-Aqsa compound is a dedicated place of worship for Muslims and that its administration must remain exclusively under the 'Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs' department. They urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel to reopen the mosque gates and lift all restrictions immediately.

In response, Israeli authorities justified the strict measures by citing security concerns amid ongoing tensions with Iran. However, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision as a blatant infringement on religious rights. Meanwhile, Hamas described the closure as a "dangerous historical precedent," warning of severe consequences. This collective outcry from Muslim nations highlights a growing diplomatic rift over the status of Jerusalem’s holy sites during a period of heightened regional volatility.