Several Muslim countries have strongly condemned Israel’s decision to keep the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque closed to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan. 

The United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint statement expressing serious concern over the continued restrictions.

The foreign ministers of these countries said the security restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship violate international law.  They added that the limits placed on Muslim worshippers are discriminatory and go against the historical and legal status of the holy site.

In the statement, the ministers said they completely reject and condemn what they described as an illegal and unjustified measure. They also criticized Israel for what they called provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and against worshippers.

Must Read: Indian woman forced to drink urine during fast, dies after mob assault

The ministers stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They further said the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, covering 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.

According to the statement, the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has the legal authority to administer the mosque and regulate entry.

The ministers urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately reopen the gates of the mosque and remove restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem. They also called on the international community to take a firm stand and push Israel to stop what they described as ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.