Arab and Islamic condemnation of the decision to close the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with seven other Arab and Islamic countries, strongly condemned the continued closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Noble Sanctuary by the Israeli occupation authorities to Muslim worshippers. The list of condemning countries included Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. These condemnations come at a particularly sensitive time, especially as these arbitrary measures coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, exacerbating the suffering of worshippers and preventing them from freely and peacefully performing their religious rites.
The historical roots and legal status of the city of Jerusalem
To understand the dimensions of the current crisis, it is essential to consider the historical context and the existing legal status quo governing the holy sites in Jerusalem for decades. Historically, the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is the sole legal authority with exclusive jurisdiction over the administration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, encompassing 144 dunams, and the regulation of access to it. The security restrictions imposed on access to the Old City and its places of worship, along with discriminatory measures, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and a clear infringement upon the historical Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
A firm rejection of provocative actions
In a joint statement and with identical positions, the foreign ministries of the eight countries affirmed their absolute rejection and condemnation of these illegal and unjustified measures. In their official statements, the countries stressed that Israel's continued provocative practices against worshippers and within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound constitute a dangerous escalation. They also reiterated their firm position that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and its holy sites, demanding respect for the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship for all Muslims without intimidation or harassment.
Regional and international repercussions of the continued closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque
The decision to close the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque profound repercussions that extend beyond local borders, impacting regional and international stability. Locally, these measures fuel tensions and exacerbate the already volatile situation in the Palestinian territories, threatening a dangerous escalation on the ground. Regionally, these steps provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide and undermine the prospects for a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, where Jerusalem and its holy sites are considered a red line for the Arab and Muslim worlds. Internationally, these violations present the international community with a true test of its commitment to upholding international law, protecting human rights, and safeguarding freedom of worship.
An urgent appeal to the international community
In concluding their statements, the Arab and Islamic states demanded that Israel, as the occupying power, immediately cease obstructing access for worshippers and lift all restrictions imposed on the Old City. They also issued a clear call to the international community and the Security Council to take a firm stance compelling Israel to halt its ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and to ensure international protection for the Palestinian people and their holy sites, in order to prevent the region from sliding into further violence and instability.
