In a recent statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for its closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, describing the move as "unacceptable". This condemnation came during a phone conversation with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, where they also discussed bilateral relations and regional issues. Erdogan highlighted the significant impact of the mosque's closure, stressing that Muslims have been denied access to their first Qibla for 17 days due to arbitrary actions taken by Israel without any legitimate authority.

On the same day, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed the sentiment by calling for the immediate reopening of the mosque's gates, allowing Palestinian Muslims to perform prayers and celebrate Eid al-Fitr. This concerted effort by Erdogan and Ibrahim signifies a strong stance among Muslim leaders against the Israeli authorities' restrictive measures at one of Islam's holiest sites. Their remarks reflect a broader frustration within the Muslim community regarding the ongoing tensions and restrictions surrounding access to Al-Aqsa.

In response to these developments, Sheikh Ikrema Sabri, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, praised the positions taken by both Erdogan and Ibrahim, noting that their voices were among the first to condemn the Israeli actions at the mosque. This response from prominent Islamic leaders highlights the escalating conflict over the rights of Muslims to access their religious sites, emphasizing the need for solidarity and immediate action to support the Palestinian cause during these sensitive times.