Arab League: Israel has no right to block Muslims from Al-Aqsa Mosque

2026-03-15 - 22:32

The Arab League issued a strong condemnation Sunday of Israel's ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. In an official statement, the regional bloc asserted that Israel has no legal or moral authority to impose restrictions preventing Muslims from praying at the Jerusalem holy site. International law violation warning The statement characterized Israel's actions as a "blatant violation of international law" that could trigger "serious repercussions for regional and international peace and security." The League's warning reflects growing concern that restrictions on religious freedom at one of Islam's holiest sites could inflame tensions across the Muslim world and beyond, potentially expanding the current conflict. Call for international pressure The Arab League urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt its "illegal actions" at Jerusalem's holy sites and respect the fundamental right of freedom of worship. The appeal comes as Israel has maintained the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque since the US-Israeli war on Iran began Feb. 28, while simultaneously allowing only approximately 50 worshippers to pray at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank, further restricting Muslim access to religious sites. Continued restrictions amid regional conflict The ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa represents a significant escalation in restrictions on Muslim worship at the contested site, which has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the region already engulfed in the widening war between US-Israeli forces and Iran, the additional religious dimension threatens to further inflame passions and potentially draw new actors into the confrontation.