Eight Arab states criticized Israel for closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Eight Arab and Islamic states sharply criticized Israel for closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the last twelve days of the holy month of Ramadan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The Al Jazeera news outlet reported on this incident. Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Wednesday rejecting restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers in Jerusalem's Old City.
Foreign ministers assessed this action as an open violation of international law and the historical status of the holy site. They emphasized that Israel does not possess sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian places of worship.
The ministers reaffirmed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque complex belongs solely to Muslims. They recognized the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf as the sole legitimate authority over this holy site.
These states called on Israel to reopen the mosque gates soon, lift all restrictions in the Old City, and ensure free access for Muslim worshippers. At the same time, they urged the international community to pressure Israel to halt these violations.
Israeli officials cited security concerns related to the ongoing conflict with Iran as the reason for imposing restrictions. However, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described this closure as an open violation of Palestinians' rights.
The Hamas movement also sharply condemned this decision, warning that it creates a dangerous historical precedent and undermines freedom of worship.
