Eight Islamic Nations Condemn Israeli Restrictions on Worship in Jerusalem
Joint Statement Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms and International Law
Eight Arab and Islamic nations have issued a strong joint statement condemning the persistent restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem. The ministers of foreign affairs from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Turkey collectively denounced these measures as a blatant violation of international law and the historical status of holy sites.
Escalating Tensions and Denied Access
The statement specifically pointed to incidents such as preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque and denying the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday services. The signatory nations reiterated their absolute rejection of any Israeli attempts to alter the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites within the city.
Upholding International Law and Religious Rights
These actions, the ministers asserted, constitute a clear breach of international humanitarian law, the established legal status of Jerusalem, and the fundamental right to unrestricted access to places of worship. The statement emphasized a firm opposition to what it described as the occupying regime’s illegal and restrictive measures, particularly those hindering free Christian access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for religious observances.
Jerusalem’s Status and Authority
The joint declaration stressed the necessity of respecting the established historical and legal status in Jerusalem and its holy sites. It explicitly stated that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied city and called for an immediate halt to all actions impeding worshippers’ access to their respective places of prayer. The ministers also condemned Israel’s continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates to worshippers, noting this has occurred for 30 consecutive days, including during the blessed month of Ramadan. Such restrictions are viewed as a grave violation of international law, the historical status quo, and Israel’s obligations as an occupying power, posing significant risks to regional and international peace and security.
Exclusive Muslim Authority Over Al-Aqsa Mosque
The eight nations reaffirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque, spanning 144 dunams, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They further emphasized that the Jerusalem Waqf Department, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places, is the sole legal authority responsible for managing the mosque’s affairs and organizing entry.
Call for International Action
The statement urged the Israeli regime to immediately cease closing the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, lift restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem, and refrain from obstructing Muslim worshippers’ access to the mosque. Furthermore, they appealed to the international community to adopt a decisive stance that compels the regime to cease its ongoing aggressions and illegal actions against the holy sites in Jerusalem, thereby upholding their sanctity.
