Eight Muslim Nations Unite to Condemn Israeli Restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque
In a powerful display of solidarity, foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement late yesterday, strongly condemning Israeli occupation authorities for closing the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers. This action, particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan, was denounced as a serious breach of international law and religious freedoms, sparking widespread concern across the Islamic world.
Condemnation of Violations and Call for Action
The ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar expressed their firm rejection of the ongoing restrictions imposed on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and the Old City of Jerusalem. They emphasized that security measures limiting entry to places of worship, along with what they described as discriminatory and arbitrary access controls, constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law. Additionally, they highlighted that these actions disrupt the historical and legal status quo governing Jerusalem's holy sites, underscoring the need for unrestricted access for all believers.
Reaffirmation of Sovereignty and Legal Authority
The joint statement reaffirmed the countries' absolute condemnation of what they termed illegal and unjustified measures by Israeli authorities, including continued provocative actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and against worshippers. The ministers stressed that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, reiterating that the entire 144-dunam area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They underscored that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the mosque and regulating access.
Urgent Appeals to Israel and International Community
Calling for immediate action, the ministers urged Israel, as the occupying power, to promptly reopen the mosque's gates, remove restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem, and refrain from obstructing Muslim worshippers. The statement also appealed to the international community to adopt a firm stance to compel Israel to halt what it described as ongoing violations and illegal practices targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and to safeguard the sanctity of these religious places. This collective stance aims to address escalating tensions and protect religious freedoms in the region.
