Arab foreign ministers condemn Israeli restrictions on worship in Jerusalem

RIYADH, March 30, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates condemned Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem, SPA reported on Monday.

The ministers said the measures included preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque and restricting Christian access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, including during Palm Sunday.

They rejected what they described as Israeli attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, saying the actions violated international law.

The ministers also condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for 30 consecutive days, including during the month of Ramadan, warning that such measures risk further escalation in the region.

They called on Israel to reopen the mosque immediately, lift restrictions on access to Jerusalem’s Old City and allow worshippers to freely reach religious sites, while urging the international community to take a firm position to end such practices.