Foreign Ministers Condemn Israeli Restrictions on Worship in Jerusalem

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A coalition of foreign affairs ministers from Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s restrictions on religious freedom in occupied Jerusalem, warning that such measures threaten regional and international peace.

In a joint statement released by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the ministers rejected what they described as violations of fundamental rights, including limits on access to holy sites for both Muslims and Christians.

“These ongoing Israeli measures are clear violations of international law, including humanitarian law, as well as the established legal and historical status quo. They also infringe upon the right of unrestricted access to places of worship,” the statement read, as quoted by Antara.

The ministers highlighted Israel’s closure of the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque within the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound for 30 consecutive days, including during the holy month of Ramadan. They stressed that such actions constitute serious breaches of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.

The statement reaffirmed that the entire Al-Haram Al-Sharif complex covering approximately 144,000 square meters is designated exclusively as a place of worship for Muslims.

The ministers called on Israel to immediately reopen the mosque gates, lift restrictions in Jerusalem’s Old City, and cease obstructing Muslim worshippers. They emphasized that the site’s administration lies under the authority of the Jerusalem Waqf, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

Beyond direct appeals to Israel, the ministers urged the international community to take a firm stance against ongoing violations and illegal practices targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. They warned that escalating restrictions risk undermining both religious sanctity and broader stability.

The joint declaration underscores growing concern among Muslim-majority nations over the preservation of religious rights in Jerusalem, framing the issue not only as a matter of faith but also as a test of international law and global governance. ***