Eight Arab, Islamic nations condemn Israel's 12-day Al-Aqsa closure

Israel has restricted access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City of Jerusalem for 12 straight days during Ramadan.

Foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Wednesday blasting the restrictions as a "flagrant violation" of international law, humanitarian standards, the historical status quo, and freedom of worship.

They rejected Israel's "illegal and unjustified" actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, including provocations against worshippers, and stressed that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites. The ministers affirmed that Al-Aqsa is exclusively for Muslims, with legal authority resting solely with the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs department under Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

The group urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the mosque gates, lift Old City restrictions, and stop blocking Muslim worshippers. They also called on the international community to force an end to these "ongoing violations."

Israel cites security needs amid its war with Iran for the curbs. However, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry labeled the closure a "blatant violation" of Palestinian rights, according to Wafa news agency. Hamas echoed this on Tuesday, warning it creates a "dangerous historical precedent" and undermines worship freedoms.