Restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadan Spark International Outcry

As of March 2026, Israeli authorities have enforced a closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for 14 consecutive days, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan. This unprecedented measure has prevented Muslim worshippers from accessing the mosque, particularly during significant religious observances, including Friday prayers and nightly Taraweeh prayers. The closure is attributed to heightened security concerns amid ongoing military tensions related to the conflict with Iran.

Worshippers perform fourth Friday prayer of Ramadan near Al-Aqsa amid continued closureMuslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During RamadanMiddle East MonitorEgypt, seven Muslim-majority states condemn Al-Aqsa Mosque closure during Ramadan - Foreign Affairs - EgyptTürkiye, 7 nations condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa restrictions during RamadanEight Arab, Islamic nations condemn Israel’s continued closure of Al Aqsa Mosque gates to Muslim worshippers

The closure has drawn widespread condemnation from eight Muslim-majority countries: Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of these nations described the restrictions as a "flagrant violation" of international law and the historical status quo governing access to holy sites in Jerusalem. They emphasized that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which spans approximately 144 dunams, is exclusively for Muslim worshippers and that the Jordanian Waqf is the sole authority responsible for regulating access.

Eight Arab, Islamic nations condemn Israel’s continued closure of Al Aqsa Mosque gates to Muslim worshippersExpress TribuneTürkiye, 7 nations condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa restrictions during RamadanAl Jazeera (website)Times of IsraelEgypt, seven Muslim-majority states condemn Al-Aqsa Mosque closure during Ramadan - Foreign Affairs - EgyptMuslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During Ramadan

The restrictions have forced many Palestinian worshippers to pray outside the mosque, a stark contrast to previous years when tens of thousands would gather for prayers during Ramadan. Reports indicate that worshippers have been gathering at nearby locations such as Bab Al-Sahira and the Mohammad Al-Fateh Mosque, but Israeli forces have deployed heavily in these areas, further limiting access. Eyewitness accounts describe a strong presence of women and children among those praying outside, despite the ongoing restrictions.

Worshippers perform fourth Friday prayer of Ramadan near Al-Aqsa amid continued closureMuslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During RamadanMiddle East MonitorEgypt, seven Muslim-majority states condemn Al-Aqsa Mosque closure during Ramadan - Foreign Affairs - EgyptEight Arab, Islamic nations condemn Israel’s continued closure of Al Aqsa Mosque gates to Muslim worshippersTürkiye, 7 nations condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa restrictions during RamadanTimes of Israel

The Muslim World League has also condemned the closure, calling it an unacceptable violation of religious freedom. The League's Secretary-General, Muhammad Al-Issa, urged the international community to take decisive action to protect religious sites in Jerusalem. Additionally, Hamas has warned that the continued closure sets a "dangerous historical precedent," asserting that it undermines the sanctity of the mosque and freedom of worship.

The Muslim World League Condemns the Occupation's Continued Closure of Al-Aqsa to WorshippersMuslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During RamadanMiddle East MonitorAl Jazeera (website)Muslim World League Condemns Continued Zionist Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to WorshippersExpress Tribune

While Israeli authorities cite security concerns as the reason for the closure, critics argue that these measures disproportionately affect Muslim worshippers and violate their rights. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has characterized the closure as a blatant violation of Palestinian rights, while Israeli officials maintain that the restrictions are necessary for national security.

Al Jazeera (website)

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing calls from international bodies and Muslim-majority countries for Israel to lift the restrictions and allow free access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The international community is being urged to take a firm stance against what many view as ongoing violations of religious freedoms in Jerusalem.

Türkiye, 7 nations condemn Israel’s Al-Aqsa restrictions during RamadanExpress TribuneAl Jazeera (website)Eight Arab, Islamic nations condemn Israel’s continued closure of Al Aqsa Mosque gates to Muslim worshippersEgypt, seven Muslim-majority states condemn Al-Aqsa Mosque closure during Ramadan - Foreign Affairs - EgyptTimes of IsraelMuslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During Ramadan

• “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 of international law, including international humanitarian law, the historical and legal status quo, and the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship,” — Joint Statement from the Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Express Tribune

• “The continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan represents an unacceptable violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites,” — Muhammad Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League.

Muslim World League Condemns Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Worshippers During Ramadan

• “dangerous historical precedent” — Hamas Statement.

Middle East Monitor