Jerusalem – Muslim worshippers gathered in the streets surrounding Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, to perform prayers as Israeli authorities maintained a closure of the holy site amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The restrictions, now in their 12th consecutive day, have effectively emptied the mosque during the sacred month of Ramadan, sparking widespread condemnation from across the Arab and Islamic world.
The closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, comes at a particularly sensitive time, coinciding with both Ramadan and escalating concerns over a potential wider conflict involving Iran. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from multiple nations, who view the restrictions as a provocative act and a violation of religious freedom. The ongoing limitations on Palestinian access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its religious sites are at the heart of the international outcry.
International Condemnation Mounts
Eight Arab and Islamic countries – Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates – jointly condemned Israel’s actions in a statement released Wednesday. The foreign ministers of these nations asserted that the Israeli restrictions constitute a “flagrant violation to international law,” including international humanitarian law and the historical status quo regarding access to places of worship. They emphasized that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, according to Al Jazeera.
The statement specifically rejected and condemned the “illegal and unjustified measure” of the closure, as well as what the ministers described as “provocative actions” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The countries affirmed that the entire area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is “exclusively” for Muslim worship and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs department, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, holds the “legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction” over the site. Similar condemnation was echoed by Middle East Eye.
Ramadan Restrictions and Rising Tensions
The decision to close the Al-Aqsa Mosque has significantly disrupted Ramadan observances for Palestinian worshippers. For the past 12 days, access to the mosque has been severely restricted, leaving the compound largely empty during a time typically filled with prayer and devotion. This has fueled anger and frustration among Palestinians and raised fears of further escalation.
The restrictions are occurring against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with concerns growing over a potential direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. Iran has reportedly warned that Israel may attempt a false-flag operation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, potentially using drones or missiles and blaming Tehran. This warning adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. As reported by Haaretz, the restrictions on worshippers are being viewed as part of Israel’s wartime measures, prompting criticism from international actors.
What to Watch Next
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque will further escalate. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging restraint from all parties. The potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences remains high, particularly given the broader regional context of the Israel-Iran conflict. Further developments regarding access to the holy site and any potential diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions will be closely watched.
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