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Subject: Masjid Al-Aqsa must be reopened.
We, the undersigned, write to express our deep concern regarding the ongoing closure of Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem during much of the blessed month of Ramadan, Eid and beyond.
Dear Foreign Secretary
Subject: Masjid Al-Aqsa must be reopened.
We, the undersigned, write to express our deep concern regarding the ongoing closure of Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem during much of the blessed month of Ramadan, Eid and beyond.
On 28 February 2026, Israeli forces entered the Al-Aqsa sanctuary and imposed a complete closure.
These developments are a violation of the status quo and raise serious concerns regarding the protection of freedom of worship at one of Islam’s holiest sanctuaries.
Masjid Al-Aqsa holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide and forms a central element of Palestinian religious life and identity.
We are particularly troubled by what appears to be a continuing pattern of escalating restrictions on Palestinians and is occurring alongside a number of other developments that are placing it under increasing pressure. These include the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the isolation of Jerusalem from the Muslim Palestinian community, the usurpation of administrative authority over the Ibrahimi Masjid in Hebron (Al-Khalil) by Israel, and public statements by certain political and ideological figures in Israel advocating the abolishing of the ‘status quo’ and the changes to the existing structures at the Al-Aqsa sanctuary.
As you will be aware, the United Kingdom has consistently maintained that East Jerusalem constitutes occupied territory under international law. In this context, preventing worshippers from accessing their holy sites raises serious concerns under international legal frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 18 of the latter affirms the right of every individual to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to manifest religion or belief in worship, practice, and observance.
Furthermore, longstanding administrative arrangements recognise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Masjid Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, as the legal body responsible for administering the affairs of the Al-Aqsa Masjid and regulating entry to the sanctuary.
In light of these developments, we urge the United Kingdom Government to take clear and principled action. In particular, we ask that the Government:
* Call on the Israeli authorities to immediately reopen the gates of Al-Aqsa Masjid and remove restrictions preventing Palestinian worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa.
* Support the preservation of the historic status quo governing the Al-Aqsa sanctuary.
We look forward to your response.
Here are frequently asked questions on #HandsOffAlAqsa
Al-Aqsa is a holy sanctuary in the Old City of Jerusalem, also known as Masjid Al-Aqsa or the Noble Sanctuary. The entire compound including the land and buildings is sacred, with ‘Masjid al-Aqsa’ referring to all the buildings there.
This sacred site spans approximately 35 acres. Al-Aqsa houses roughly 200 buildings, monuments and courtyards of historical and religious significance. This includes the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as Sukhra, the golden-domed building) and Musallah Al-Qibly (the grey-domed building).
These buildings have extraordinary historical significance for Muslims. Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam and the place where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven. It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims and a very important symbol of Palestinian nationhood and culture.
When the second Caliph ‘Umar entered Jerusalem he requested that he first be taken to al-Haram al-Sharif, the place of Al-Aqsa. He ordered the construction of a masjid (mosque) at the southern end of the sanctuary. This was originally a wooden structure but was later re-built as a solid structure.
Israel illegally occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa in the Old City, in 1967. In 1980 Israel announced the Jerusalem Law, illegally annexing East Jerusalem. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem violates international law.
Since then, entry and exit to Al-Aqsa has been under Israeli control. Palestinian access to the holy site is restricted whilst Israel allows increasing numbers of Israeli groups to visit and pray at Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. These visits are known as incursions.
There is now a mainstream movement within Israel to destroy Al-Aqsa and replace it with a Jewish temple. This movement even has the backing of the Israeli government.
The Israeli government frequently allows Israeli groups to visit Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. 48,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa in 2022 – more than any year previously.
Attacks on Palestinian worshippers are increasing, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. In 2021 Israeli Occupation Forces violently assaulted Palestinian worshippers. In 2022 Israeli forces brutally attacked Palestinian worshippers of all ages with tear gas, sound grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets. Over 250 worshippers were injured and there was significant damage to historic buildings within the compound, including the stained-glass windows of Al-Aqsa.
You can take action to protect Al-Aqsa mosque today:
Tweet out your solidarity and support for Al-Aqsa using the Tweet tab.
Share the 'I Stand With Masjid Al-Aqsa' image on your socials from the Resources tab.
Get involved with Aqsa Week 2024 (Monday 5th Feb – Sunday 11th Feb)
More info:
/news/2022/4/20/timeline-raids-closures-and-restrictions-on-al-aqsa
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-aqsa-mosque-raids-incursions-explained
/20230401-temple-mount-groups-pledge-prizes-for-animal-sacrifice-at-al-aqsa-mosque/
Story so far.
Israeli occupying forces have closed Masjid Al-Aqsa since 28 Feb 2026, barring worshippers from performing prayers in the blessed month of Ramadan at one of the holiest sites in Islam.
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, a senior imam at Masjid Al-Aqsa, described the closure as “unjustified,” warning that it represents control over the Masjid “under the pretext of security.” An Islamic Waqf worker stated that “the situation at the Masjid is dire.”
In mid-June 2025, Masjid Al-Aqsa was entirely closed and prayers were cancelled for 12 consecutive days before reopening under strict restrictions. Such unprecedented closures since Israel occupied Masjid Al-Aqsa in 1967 are a growing sign of undermining Palestinian and Muslim rights of worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa.
These closures are part of a broader pattern that includes restricting Muslim access, increasing Israeli incursions into Masjid Al-Aqsa, and public calls for its takeover.
Escalating restrictions on worshippers:
Palestinians face systematic access controls, including:
● Age-based entry bans
● Permit restrictions for worshippers from the West Bank
● Gender-based limitations
● Arbitrary closures during Ramadan and other religious periods
In recent years, Israeli forces have entered the Al-Aqsa compound during Ramadan and used force against worshippers.
Settler incursions are increasing rapidly:
While Palestinian access is restricted, organised settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound have reached record levels under armed Israeli police protection.
● In 2022: 48,000+ settler incursions
● In 2024: 53,488 incursions (record high)
● In 2025: Over 65,000 entries reported
● In January 2026: 4,397 settler entries, with an additional 7,868 recorded as ‘tourism’
Israelis call for the Destruction of Masjid Al-Aqsa:
The Temple Institute, established in 1987, explicitly advocates for the takeover of the Al-Aqsa Sanctuary. Currently, about six groups are working toward the destruction of buildings on Masjid Al-Aqsa.
These groups are supported by overseas political organisations, lobby groups, and funding campaigns. They now also receive funding from Israeli government bodies and support from Israeli ministers.
Why does this matter?
Masjid Al-Aqsa, located in occupied East Jerusalem, is one of Islam’s holiest sites and a central symbol of Palestinian identity. Each closure, restriction, or incursion increases instability in Jerusalem and strengthens efforts to take over Masjid Al-Aqsa. UNESCO has repeatedly criticised Israeli actions that undermine the Masjid’s protected status as a World Heritage site.
If similar actions occurred at any other place of worship, there would likely be widespread international concern.
Take Action:
Write to you MP urging them to sign EDM 2955 which calls for the immediate reopening of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Call your MPs office, asking them to sign EDM 2955. Feel free to use the below as a guide. Remember to remain polite and courteous to staff.
''Hello, my name is [Name] and I’m a constituent from [Town/Postcode].
I’m calling to ask whether [MP’s name] will sign EDM 2955, which calls for the immediate reopening of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Masjid Al-Aqsa has been shut by Israel since 28 February 2026, the longest consecutive closure since 1967. This closure comes amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, annexation of large areas of the West Bank, and growing calls within Israel to destroy buildings on the Al-Aqsa compound.
EDM 2955 also urges the UK government to impose an arms embargo and sanctions if Israel fails to comply.
Could you please pass this request to the MP and let me know whether they will be signing the EDM?
Thank you.
Optional follow-up if they are unsure
If the staff member says they don’t know:
Could you please ask the MP and email me to confirm whether they will sign EDM 2955?''
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