Eight Arab and Islamic states condemn Israeli restrictions on worship in Jerusalem
Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned ongoing Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem, urging an immediate halt to measures they say violate international law and the historic status quo of holy sites.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The ministers condemned restrictions on Muslim worshippers accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, including prolonged closures of its gates, as well as reported barriers preventing Christian leaders from reaching Church of the Holy Sepulchre during religious observances.
They rejected what they described as attempts to alter the legal and historical status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing that such actions constitute violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and infringe upon the right to freedom of worship.
The statement reaffirmed that Israel, as the occupying power, has no sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem, and called for respect for existing arrangements governing holy sites. It also reiterated that the entire compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, remains exclusively a place of worship for Muslims under the administration of the Jordanian-run Awqaf authorities.
The ministers warned that continued restrictions and escalation could further destabilize the region and undermine international peace and security.
They called on Israel to immediately lift access restrictions, restore normal worship conditions, and refrain from obstructing access for Muslim and Christian worshippers. The ministers also urged the international community to take a firm stance to ensure compliance with international law and protection of holy sites in Jerusalem.
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