Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israeli Restrictions in Jerusalem, Urge Global Action on Holy Sites

Eight Muslim nations, including Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have condemned Israeli restrictions on worship in Jerusalem. The foreign ministers of these countries issued a joint statement rejecting Israeli actions as attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.

The statement highlighted that preventing Muslims from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque and barring Christian religious leaders from entering the Holy Church is a clear violation of international law. It also noted that keeping the doors of Al-Aqsa Mosque closed continuously for 30 days, even during Ramadan, constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and could threaten regional peace.

The ministers emphasized that the entire compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively for Muslim worship and is administered by the Jordanian Waqf authority. They urged Israel to immediately reopen the mosque, lift restrictions in Jerusalem’s Old City, and ensure unhindered access for worshippers. The international community was also called upon to adopt a firm stance against further violations and illegal actions against holy sites.