The Arab League has strongly condemned Israel’s continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a serious violation of international law.
The Arab League condemned Israel’s closure of the mosque to worshippers, notably during Ramadan, saying it has no right to take any measures preventing Muslims from worshipping there. The regional bloc said the move constitutes a blatant violation of international law and could lead to serious repercussions for regional and international peace and security.
Israel has kept Al-Aqsa Mosque closed for over 16 days since February 28, citing security concerns linked to its ongoing conflict with Iran. In the occupied West Bank, only approximately 50 worshippers have been permitted to pray at the Ibrahimi Mosque.
This is considered the longest closure of the site during Ramadan since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Worshippers have been forced to pray in the streets of Jerusalem’s Old City, as Israeli forces block Al-Aqsa’s entrances. The Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate described the Old City as a military zone, with hundreds of soldiers and police deployed to the area.
The Arab League Council affirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque, covering 144 dunams, is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims, and that Israel, as the occupying power, has no right to prevent Muslims from performing their religious duties there.
The closure has drawn widespread outrage across the Muslim world, with calls on the international community to pressure Israel to immediately reopen the mosque.
