Cairo: Al Azhar on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, strongly condemned an attempt to target Makkah, Islam's holiest city and the direction of Muslim prayer, warning against any escalation that could threaten Islamic holy sites. In a statement on Wednesday, Al Azhar described any attempt to endanger the holy city as a grave assault on a sanctity revered in Islam and a provocation to Muslims worldwide. It warned against expanding the conflict to include Islamic holy sites, stressing that Makkah must never become a theatre for confrontation or threats.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Al Azhar emphasized that the security of the Two Holy Mosques is not merely a political or regional issue, but a matter of religious significance to Muslims worldwide. It stressed that the sanctity of Makkah and the safety of worshippers and visitors must be respected by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, regardless of political or conflict-related considerations.