Eight Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned Israel for keeping the Al-Aqsa Mosque closed for the past 12 days during the holy month of Ramadan. Reports Aljazeera.com.
Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Wednesday rejecting the restrictions on Palestinian worshippers in Jerusalem's Old City.
The foreign ministers described the move as a clear violation of international law and the historical status of the holy site. They stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian places of worship.
The ministers affirmed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque compound belongs exclusively to Muslims. They recognized the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs department under Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf as the only legal authority over the site.
The countries called on Israel to immediately open the mosque gates, lift restrictions in the Old City and allow free access for Muslim worshippers. They also urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop these violations.
Israeli authorities cited security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran as the reason for the restrictions. However, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the closure a blatant violation of Palestinian rights, according to the Wafa news agency.
Hamas also denounced the decision, warning that it creates a dangerous historical precedent and undermines freedom of worship.
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