Jerusalem: The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission have jointly condemned the ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the organizations issued a statement highlighting that this closure violates the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. They described it as an infringement on religious rights, a provocation to Muslims worldwide, and a breach of freedom of worship.
The statement emphasized Jerusalem's central significance and the unbreakable connection Muslims have with Al-Aqsa Mosque. It asserted that Israel bears full responsibility for any repercussions of its actions, warning of potential escalations in violence and threats to both regional and international peace and security.
The organizations reiterated that Israel holds no sovereignty over Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem. They rejected any Israeli measures aimed at altering the city's demographic and cultural identity.
They also called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to ensure Israel respects the right to worship and maintains the status of holy sites. The statement urged for the immediate reopening of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the removal of restrictions on Palestinian access to Jerusalem, in line with various UN Security Council resolutions.
The organizations reaffirmed their support for Palestinian rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also endorsed the two-state solution as a means to achieve lasting peace in the region.