Pakistan, 7 other countries condemn Israeli curbs on Muslims and Christians worshippers in occupied Jerusalem

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan, along with seven other Muslim-majority countries, strongly condemned the continued Israeli restrictions on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem, including the prevention of Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The stance was outlined in a joint statement released by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Indonesia.

In their collective message, the ministers reiterated their firm denunciation of Israeli actions that they say aim to change the long-established legal and historical arrangements governing both Muslim and Christian sacred sites in the city.

They emphasized that such measures represent a clear breach of international law, including international humanitarian principles, and undermine the established framework that guarantees free and unhindered access to places of worship.

The statement further expressed unequivocal opposition to restrictions imposed on both Muslim and Christian communities, noting that Christians have also faced barriers in reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to carry out their religious observances.

The ministers underscored the importance of preserving the existing legal and historical status of Jerusalem and its holy sites, asserting that Israel, as an occupying authority, holds no sovereign claim over the city. They stressed that all actions limiting access to religious locations must come to an immediate halt.

Reaffirming their position, they declared that the entire compound of Al-Haram Al-Sharif remains a place of worship reserved exclusively for Muslims.

They also pointed out that administrative authority over the site rests solely with the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which operates under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

The ministers called on Israel to reopen the gates of the mosque complex without delay, lift movement restrictions within the Old City, and ensure that Muslim worshippers can enter freely without obstruction.

They urged the international community to take a decisive and unified stand, pressing Israel to end what they described as ongoing violations and unlawful practices targeting Islamic and Christian holy places, and to respect the sanctity of these revered sites.