The recent decision by Israeli authorities to bar Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque has been met with strong condemnation. The move is widely viewed as a provocative act that undermines religious freedom and escalates tensions surrounding one of the world’s most sacred religious sites.

This ban forms part of a wider campaign targeting religious leaders at Al-Aqsa, involving arrests, restrictions, and expulsions. Critics warn that these measures seek to dismantle the mosque’s traditional religious leadership and facilitate increased incursions by Israeli settlers and far-right groups.

Concerns have been raised over efforts to change the religious and cultural character of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, sites of profound significance to Muslims worldwide.

There are urgent calls for the international community to intervene and halt ongoing violations in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly those threatening Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Safeguarding the historical and religious identity of Al-Aqsa remains a critical issue as unilateral actions by the occupying authorities continue to alter the status quo on the ground.