‘Dangerous precedent’: Hamas reacts as Al-Aqsa mosque closure stretches to 11 days
Women praying outside Al-Aqsa Mosque
The New Arab reports on 11 March 2026:
Palestinian group Hamas condemned Israel’s continued closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex for the 11th consecutive day on Tuesday, warning that the move threatens freedom of worship during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the group said the restrictions constitute a “dangerous precedent”, after Israeli security forces completely sealed off the site since last Saturday, preventing anyone from entering- including mosque staff and guards- following the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran.
Hamas also criticised the ban on worshippers performing Taraweeh prayers and observing i’tikaf, the religious retreat commonly undertaken in mosques during the final days of Ramadan.
The group described the closure as a “dangerous historical precedent” and a “blatant violation” of freedom of worship, accusing Israel of escalating tensions around Islamic holy sites.
According to Hamas, the continued shutdown of the mosque by what it referred to as the “fascist occupation government” marks the first time such a measure has been imposed since 1967.