Arab and Muslim ministers condemn Israeli curbs on worship in Jerusalem

Foreign ministers from several Arab and Muslim countries have condemned Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, voicing strong opposition to the measures.

In a joint statement, ministers from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt said the restrictions include preventing Muslim worshippers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Haram al-Sharif compound, as well as blocking the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering Church of the Holy Sepulchre to hold Palm Sunday mass. They described the measures as a “flagrant violation” of freedom of worship.

The statement said these actions constitute a clear breach of international law, including international humanitarian law, and violate the longstanding historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. It added that the measures infringe the unrestricted right of access to places of worship.

The ministers stressed their absolute rejection of what they described as unlawful and restrictive Israeli measures against both Muslims and Christians, including limits on Christian access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They called for full respect for the historical and legal status quo in the holy city.

They also reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, and urged an end to all measures that hinder worshippers from accessing their holy sites.

The statement further condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers for 30 consecutive days, including during the month of Ramadan, as well as restrictions on religious practices, warning of the potential impact on regional and international peace and security.

The ministers affirmed that the entire 144-dunum compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusively Muslim place of worship. They added that the Jerusalem Waqf Administration, a department within the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places that is based in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the legal authority responsible for managing the site and regulating access.