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The Struggle for Al-Aqsa: A New Threat to Muslim Custodianship

Updated June 2026

Recent reports indicate that the United States and Israel are discussing plans that could fundamentally alter the status of Masjid Al-Aqsa by removing Jordan's custodianship and replacing it with a new administrative arrangement.

For Muslims around the world, this is not simply a diplomatic dispute. It represents one of the most serious threats to Al-Aqsa in decades.

The issue is no longer merely who can enter Al-Aqsa. It is increasingly about who governs the sanctuary, who protects its Islamic character, and who decides its future.

What is Jordanian Custodianship?

Jordan's custodianship refers to its recognised role in safeguarding and overseeing the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem through the Jordanian Islamic Waqf.

The Waqf administers Masjid Al-Aqsa, maintains its buildings, appoints staff and preserves its exclusively Islamic character.

While custodianship does not end the occupation of Jerusalem, it remains one of the last internationally recognised barriers preventing Israel from exercising complete control over the sanctuary.

Why is Custodianship Under Threat?

For years, Israel, settler organisations and Temple Mount Movement groups have sought to weaken the authority of the Islamic Waqf.

Recent reports suggest that discussions are now taking place to replace Jordan's role with an alternative framework which would see administrative controlled stripped from Jordan and handed to Israel.

Such a move would represent a historic shift in the governance of Al-Aqsa.

Why Does Custodianship Matter?

To understand why this matters, it is important to examine what has already been happening at Al-Aqsa.

Settler Incursions Continue to Expand

Settler incursions into Al-Aqsa began in 2003.

In 2008, fixed daily incursion periods were introduced, granting settlers approximately three hours per day inside the sanctuary.

By 2026, this had expanded to approximately six and a half hours daily.

The number of settler incursions has also risen dramatically:

• 2022: More than 48,000 incursions

• 2024: 53,488 incursions

• 2025: More than 65,000 incursions

• January 2026 alone: 4,397 settler entries, alongside 7,868 entries recorded as "tourism"

These incursions are carried out under armed police protection and have become a central tool for altering realities on the ground.

Restrictions on Palestinian Worshippers

While settler access has increased, Palestinian worshippers continue to face growing restrictions, including:

• Age-based entry bans

• Permit requirements

• Gender-based restrictions

• Arbitrary closures

• Severe limitations during Ramadan and religious holidays

In recent years Israeli forces have repeatedly entered Al-Aqsa during Ramadan and used force against worshippers.

The result is a dual system in which settler access expands while Muslim worship becomes increasingly restricted.

Calls for Israeli Sovereignty

The ambitions behind these policies are not hidden.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has repeatedly entered Al-Aqsa and openly advocates increased Israeli control over the site. During one such incursion in April 2026, he declared: “Today, I feel like the owner of the place here,”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories and supports policies that undermine Palestinian rights in Jerusalem.

The concern is not merely the actions of individual politicians, but the direction of travel: increasing Israeli authority and decreasing Islamic administration.

The Temple Mount Movement

Alongside government ministers are organisations commonly referred to as the Temple Mount Movement.

These groups openly advocate replacing Islamic administration at Al-Aqsa with full Israeli control.

Many campaign for the destruction of current prayer spaces in Masjid Al-Aqsa and the construction of a Third Temple on the site.

Yehuda Glick, one of the movement's most prominent figures, built his public profile around demands for expanded Jewish access and sovereignty over the compound.

The Ramadan Closure of 2026

The threat to custodianship must also be viewed in the context of recent events.

On 28 February 2026, Israeli forces closed Masjid Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, preventing worshippers from accessing Islam's third holiest site.

The closure lasted forty days, covering most of Ramadan, Eid and five Fridays.

When Al-Aqsa reopened in April, it did so under Israeli-imposed conditions and alongside renewed settler incursions.

The closure demonstrated a troubling reality: decisions affecting Al-Aqsa are increasingly being made by Israeli authorities rather than by the Islamic Waqf.

A Trajectory Towards Takeover

Settler incursions, worship restrictions, Ramadan closures and Temple Movement activity are all part of a broader pattern.

The gradual expansion of settler access.

The restriction of Palestinian worship.

The growing role of Israeli courts and government ministries.

The weakening of the Islamic Waqf.

And now discussions about removing Jordanian custodianship.

Each development moves Al-Aqsa further away from independent Islamic administration and closer towards full Israeli control.

Take Action

Email Your MP

Ask your MP to:

• Oppose any efforts to alter the historic status of Masjid Al-Aqsa.

• Raise concerns regarding attempts to undermine the authority of the Jordanian Islamic Waqf.

• Call on the UK Government to oppose any move to remove Jordanian custodianship.

Email the Jordanian Embassy

Politely ask the Jordanian Embassy:

• To publicly reject any proposal to remove or dilute Jordan's custodianship of Al-Aqsa.

• To explain what steps Jordan is taking to defend the authority of the Islamic Waqf.

• To use all available diplomatic and legal avenues to preserve Al-Aqsa's historic status.