The Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued late Monday a joint statement denouncing Israel’s ongoing restrictions on freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem. They cited the prevention of Muslim worshippers from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif and Christian leaders from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass.
The ministers rejected any Israeli attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo at Muslim and Christian holy sites, stressing that such measures violate international law and humanitarian law. They reaffirmed that Israel, as the occupying Power, has no sovereignty over Jerusalem.
They condemned Israel’s closure of Al-Aqsa’s gates for 30 consecutive days, including during Ramadan, warning of serious risks to regional and international peace. The statement emphasized that the entire 144-dunam area of Al-Aqsa is exclusively a Muslim place of worship, under the jurisdiction of the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf.
The ministers called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions, reopen Al-Aqsa’s gates, and stop obstructing worshippers. They urged the international community to take a firm stance compelling Israel to halt violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites and to respect their sanctity.
