OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)
Arab and Muslim foreign ministers have strongly condemned Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem, denouncing the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and limitations imposed on access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
In a joint statement, ministers from countries including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia, and Pakistan described the measures as a clear violation of international law and the historic status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites.
They stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, holds no sovereignty over Jerusalem and must ensure unrestricted access to places of worship.
The statement highlighted that Al-Aqsa has remained closed to worshipers for over a month, including during Ramadan, warning that such actions could further destabilize the region.
At the same time, Arab and Islamic organizations announced the launch of an international campaign titled “Al-Aqsa is calling for help,” aimed at mobilizing global support against the Mosque’s closure and ongoing violations.
The campaign, set to run from April 1 to April 9, will include coordinated international activities, with a central event planned in Istanbul. Organizers say it seeks to raise awareness, support Palestinians in Jerusalem, and increase international pressure to halt violations at the site.
The initiative comes amid continued restrictions on access to Jerusalem’s Old City, where many Palestinians have been forced to pray in the streets due to tightened security measures.
Activists also warn of growing calls by extremist groups to carry out religious rituals inside Al-Aqsa during the upcoming Passover period, raising fears of further escalation.
