By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Arab and Islamic countries on Monday strongly condemned Israel’s continued restrictions on Muslim worship in Jerusalem, particularly the prevention of worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque, in which they described the act as a serious violation of religious rights and international law.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Qatar and the UAE emphasided that Al-Aqsa Mosque, with its full area of 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. They reaffirmed that the Jerusalem Awqaf Department under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf remains the legal authority responsible for its administration and regulating access.

The ministers rejected any Israeli attempts to change the historical and legal status of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, stating that such actions tampers with the long standing religious arrangements.

They condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers for 30 consecutive days, including during the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a grave violation of international law and Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.

The statement further emphasized that these restrictions deny Muslims their fundamental right to freely practice their religion and access their sacred activities.

While also noting restrictions affecting other religious groups, the ministers maintained that the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a central concern, urging immediate action to protect its sanctity.

They called on Israel to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque without delay, lift all restrictions on Muslim worshippers, and refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions.

The ministers also urged the international community to take a firm and decisive stance to ensure the protection of Islamic holy sites and to compel Israel to end its violations.

Source: Saudi Gazette