Eight Muslim countries have strongly condemned Israel for restricting access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and other religious sites. The joint statement warns that such actions threaten regional peace and violate international law.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s actions in occupied Jerusalem.
They described the blocking of Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque as unacceptable and called on Israel to refrain from obstructing entry to the holy site.
The ministers also condemned restrictions imposed on Christian worshippers. They highlighted that Israeli authorities prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to perform Palm Sunday Mass.
Violation of international law, human rights
The joint statement stressed that these actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, as well as basic human rights. It further stated that restricting access to places of worship infringes on the fundamental right to religious freedom.
The eight countries strongly rejected any attempts by Israel to alter the legal and historical status of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. They emphasized that maintaining the existing status quo is essential and must be respected.
Israel has no authority over occupied Jerusalem
The ministers reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem.
They made it clear that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department -- affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs -- is the only authorized body to administer Al-Aqsa Mosque and regulate entry.
The statement also condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque gates for 30 consecutive days, including during the holy month of Ramazan. Such restrictions were described as a serious violation of international obligations and the sanctity of religious practices.
Warning over threat to global peace
The ministers warned that Israel’s recent actions could escalate tensions and pose a threat to regional and international peace and security. They urged immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and restore access to holy sites.
The joint statement called on Israel to immediately reopen the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and remove all restrictions in Jerusalem’s Old City. It also urged the international community to take a firm stance and compel Israel to halt its ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites.
