Reaffirm Jerusalem’s Religious and Historical Importance
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and the African Union Commission have jointly condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupying authorities. They reaffirmed the central religious and historical role of the Holy City of Jerusalem, emphasizing the enduring religious rights of Muslims and the eternal connection with the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is Islam’s first Qibla and the third holiest sanctuary.
Strong Condemnation of Israeli Closures During Ramadan
The three organizations issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. These closures constitute a serious violation of the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem. They also represent an attack on the religious heritage of the Islamic nation, a provocation to Muslims globally, and a violation of freedom of worship and the sanctity of sacred sites.
Israel’s Responsibility and Regional Security Concerns
The statement stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, bears full responsibility for the consequences of these unlawful measures. The continued closure threatens to escalate violence, heighten regional tensions, and undermine peace and security in the Middle East and globally.
The organizations emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine. They categorically rejected all Israeli measures aimed at altering the geographic and demographic status of Jerusalem or undermining its Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity. They also reaffirmed that the Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif, covering 144 dunums, is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims.
Call to the International Community and UN Security Council
The OIC, Arab League, and African Union called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to:
- Ensure Israel respects the right to freedom of worship.
- Protect and preserve the historical and legal status of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
- Immediately reopen the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Lift all restrictions on Palestinian access to occupied Jerusalem.
- Guarantee the exercise of religious rights and preserve Jerusalem’s heritage and cultural identity.
These actions are in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), and 476 (1980).
Support for Palestinian Rights and the Two-State Solution
The organizations reaffirmed their steadfast support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including freedom, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also reiterated backing for international efforts to implement the two-state solution, a strategic pathway to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
read more :
Africa Pushes for Slavery Reparations from Britain: AU Launches Chagos-Inspired Legal Campaign
