ISLAMABAD: Eight Muslim nations, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned Israeli occupation authorities’ continued closure of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Qatar affirmed their absolute rejection and condemnation of this illegal and unjustified measure, as well as Israel’s continued provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif and against worshippers.
“Security restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship coupled with discriminatory and arbitrary access restrictions to the other places of worship in the old city constitute a flagrant violation to international law, including international humanitarian law, the historical and legal status quo, and the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship,” the statement said.
🔊PR No.6️⃣5️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Joint Statement on Closure of the Gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif by Israeli Occupation Authorities pic.twitter.com/diagC5MSPi
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 11, 2026
They stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The ministers reaffirmed that the entire compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, covering 144 dunams, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They emphasised that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which operates under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the sole legal authority responsible for administering the affairs of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif and regulating access to the site.
The ministers also called on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the gates of the mosque, lift restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem, and refrain from preventing Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque to perform their prayers.
“They also called on the international community to adopt a firm position that compels Israel to halt its ongoing violations and illegal practices against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as its violations of the sanctity of these holy places,” the statement concluded.
Israeli authorities continued to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem closed for the 12th consecutive day on Wednesday, as Israel declared a state of emergency amid its ongoing conflict with Iran.
Palestinians have been prevented from performing prayers at the site, including key worship practices associated with the final days of Ramadan.
The Palestinian Authority warned that the closure marks the first time since 1967 that Muslims have been unable to perform Taraweeh prayers and observe Itikaf (spiritual seclusion for worship) inside the mosque compound.
