Eight Nations Denounce Israeli Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque Gates During Ramadan
Foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt issued a joint condemnation of Israeli authorities for keeping the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif closed to Muslim worshippers. This has intensified during the holy month of Ramadan, a critical period for millions of Muslims worldwide.
The ministers denounced the security measures and access restrictions imposed on the Old City of Jerusalem as discriminatory, arbitrary, and a direct violation of international law, including the principle of unrestricted religious access. The closures exacerbate religious tensions and could heighten instability in an already volatile region.
These actions affect hundreds of thousands of worshippers who rely on access to Al-Aqsa, a site of profound religious significance. The ministers highlighted that such measures undermine the legal and historical status quo, risking further erosion of peace efforts.
The statement signals increased diplomatic friction, as it publicly challenges Israel's security policies around Jerusalem's holy sites amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions, raising concerns over potential escalations during Ramadan.
