Jordan: Israel's closure of Al-Aqsa, Holy Sepulchre is 'crime against religious freedom'

Jordan's government said Monday that Israel's closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied East Jerusalem constitutes a "crime against religious freedom." Government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani told Anadolu that preventing worshippers from accessing the sites is a "flagrant violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem."

Systematic targeting

"Barring access to the two holy sites amounts to a systematic targeting of Jerusalem's religious identity," he said, warning that continued measures could push the region toward further escalation and fuel hate speech. Momani added that Israel, as an occupying power, "has no legal sovereignty over Jerusalem or its holy sites," stressing that the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf under Jordan's authority is the only body legally responsible for administering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Jordan's custodianship

"Israel must understand that its attempts to politicize the city's holy sites or restrict worship freedom would face firm Jordanian opposition rooted in the kingdom's custodianship and historical role," he said. The Jerusalem Waqf Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, is the official custodian of Al-Aqsa Mosque in accordance with international law, which recognizes Jordan as the last local authority responsible for these holy sites before their occupation by Israel.

International criticism

Earlier Monday, Israeli police said they would allow "limited prayer" at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while keeping Al-Aqsa Mosque closed. The measures drew international criticism, including from Italy, France, Spain and the European Union, after Israeli authorities barred senior Christian clergy from entering the church to mark Palm Sunday. Christian denominations are preparing to celebrate Easter on April 5 in the Western calendar and April 12 in the Eastern calendar.

Conflict context

Israel has kept both sites closed since Feb. 28, citing security concerns amid regional tensions linked to the ongoing Israel-US war on Iran and Tehran's response. Israel's Home Front Command said Monday it would extend restrictions on gatherings until April 4. Arab and Muslim countries have condemned the closures and called on Israel to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers.