Another big controversy has arisen amid the Middle East war. 8 Muslim countries – Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel. These countries said that Israeli authorities have kept the doors of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif closed to Muslim worshippers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This step has been going on for 12 days and has been described as a clear violation of international law.
Qatar demanded Israel to lift the ban
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on March 11, 2026 that the foreign ministers of these 8 countries completely condemn this ban. He has demanded Israel to immediately open the doors of Al-Aqsa, remove entry restrictions in the Old City of Jerusalem and allow Muslim worshipers to enter the mosque without any restrictions.
What was said in the statement?
- The restrictions imposed on the Old City of Jerusalem and the places there in the name of security are discriminatory and arbitrary.
- This is a violation of international law, International Humanitarian Law, historical and legal status quo and the principle of unhindered access to places of worship.
- The entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque (144 dunams) is a place of worship only for Muslims.
- The Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, attached to Jordan’s Awqaf Ministry, legally manages the affairs of the mosque and regulates entry.
- Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
- Israel must stop these provocative actions and the international community must take a strong stance to stop the ongoing violations at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Since when is this prisoner?
Israel has imposed security restrictions in the Old City of Jerusalem since the start of the war with Iran. Al-Aqsa Mosque has been closed from March 5, 2026, to ensure ‘wartime safety’. Even prayers like Taraweeh and A’tikaf are not being done during Ramadan. Israel says that this is necessary due to Iranian missile attacks, but Muslim countries are calling it a provocation and an attempt to occupy religious places.
