International Condemnation of Israel's Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Sharif to Muslim worshippers. This statement, released by Pakistan's Foreign Office on March 11, emphasizes that the security restrictions imposed on access to the Old City of Jerusalem represent a violation of international law and the historical status quo regarding religious access.

DawnThe General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosq

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a pivotal symbol of Palestinian identity and a frequent flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under existing arrangements, Jewish visitors are allowed to enter the compound but are prohibited from praying there. Recent restrictions have limited Palestinian access, particularly during significant periods such as Ramadan, raising tensions in the region.

Dawn

The joint statement from the foreign ministers asserts their "absolute rejection and condemnation" of Israel's actions, labeling them as "illegal and unjustified." They call for the immediate cessation of access restrictions and urge the international community to take a firm stance against these measures. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission have also condemned the closures, describing them as a provocation to Muslims worldwide and a violation of their religious rights. They hold Israel accountable for the consequences of these actions and warn that continued restrictions could escalate violence and undermine regional peace.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosq

Critics of Israel's actions argue that the closures not only infringe on the rights of Muslim worshippers but also challenge the established religious heritage of the Islamic community. The joint statement from the foreign ministers and the OIC emphasizes that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its holy sites, reiterating that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively for Muslim worship.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa MosqDawn

The foreign ministers and the OIC have called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intervene and ensure the protection of religious rights in Jerusalem. They advocate for the reopening of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the lifting of restrictions on Palestinian access, aiming to preserve the cultural and religious identity of the area.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa MosqDawn

• “Security restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship coupled with discriminatory and arbitrary access restrictions to the other places of worship in the old city constitute a flagrant violation to international law, including international humanitarian law, the historical and legal status quo, and the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship.” — Pakistan Foreign Office

Dawn

• “Israel, the occupying power, bears full responsibility for the consequences of these illegal and provocative measures, and they warn that their continuation portends an escalation of violence and tension and threatens to undermine regional and international peace and security.” — OIC Statement

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosq

• “They reaffirm that Israel, the occupying power, has no sovereignty over the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including the occupied city of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine, and they categorically reject all its illegal decisions and measures aimed at altering its geographic and demographic status and its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, and at undermining Palestinian sovereignty and presence in it.” — OIC Statement

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosq

The situation surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a critical issue, with ongoing international calls for action to address the restrictions imposed by Israel and to uphold the rights of Palestinian worshippers.

DawnThe General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission Condemn the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosq