Israeli Restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque: A Systematic Approach to Dismantling Religious Status Quo

Since February 28, 2026, Israeli authorities have imposed a full closure on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, citing security concerns amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. This closure has prevented Muslims from accessing the mosque for significant religious observances, including Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and has been characterized as part of a broader strategy to reshape the religious and historical character of the site.

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Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam and is governed under the Status Quo arrangements established after Israel's control of East Jerusalem in 1967. These arrangements recognize Muslim authority over access and security at the site. However, recent Israeli actions have raised concerns about potential violations of this agreement, as authorities have restricted access to both Al-Aqsa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

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Israeli police have enforced restrictions on Palestinian worshippers while allowing significant access for Jewish settlers. For instance, during the closure, large gatherings for Jewish celebrations, such as Purim, occurred with minimal police intervention, contrasting sharply with the aggressive dispersal of Palestinian worshippers attempting to pray near the Old City. This pattern of enforcement highlights a discriminatory approach that undermines the religious rights of Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem.

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In response to the ongoing restrictions, Mustafa Abu Sway, deputy head of the Islamic Waqf, has urged Western governments to intervene and protect the Status Quo of holy sites in Jerusalem. His statements reflect growing alarm over the potential permanent alteration of Al-Aqsa's status. Additionally, a coalition of eight Muslim-majority countries has condemned the restrictions as violations of international law and called for the reopening of the mosque, emphasizing Jordan's legal jurisdiction over the site.

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Critics argue that the Israeli government's actions represent a systematic effort to diminish the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem. Reports indicate that over 250 expulsion orders targeting individuals associated with Al-Aqsa have been issued since the beginning of 2026. This ongoing repression is viewed as part of a broader strategy to impose a new reality in Jerusalem, aimed at erasing its historical and religious identity.

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• “If we are talking about the stability of the region, the western governments should come forward with statements about the stability of the Status Quo which will not allow Security Minister [Itamar] Ben Gvir or Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to cause more damage,” — Mustafa Abu Sway, Deputy Head of the Islamic Waqf

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• “the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship” — Joint statement by eight Muslim-majority countries

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The situation surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque remains tense, with calls for international monitoring to ensure freedom of worship and protect the rights of Palestinian residents. The ongoing closure and restrictions could lead to further escalations in regional tensions if not addressed by the international community.

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