Joint Statement Denounces Restrictions on Holy Sites
Islamabad: Pakistan, along with seven other countries, has condemned Israeli restrictions on freedom of worship in occupied Jerusalem, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday. In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar rejected the measures and called them violations of international law.
According to the statement, Israeli authorities have restricted access to key religious sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Officials also reported that authorities prevented senior Christian clergy from conducting important religious ceremonies, including Palm Sunday observances.
Moreover, the ministers emphasized that such actions undermine the legal and historical status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy places. They reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, holds no sovereignty over the city.
Calls for Immediate Reversal and International Action
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that Israeli authorities kept the gates of Al-Haram al-Sharif closed to worshippers for 30 consecutive days, including during Ramazan. As a result, many Muslims could not perform prayers at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The ministers warned that continued restrictions could escalate tensions and threaten regional peace and stability. Therefore, they urged Israel to immediately reopen access to religious sites and remove barriers within Jerusalem’s Old City.
In addition, they stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Affairs Department under Jordan retains exclusive authority over mosque administration. They also called on the international community to take firm action to ensure compliance with international obligations.
Recent incidents, including restrictions on Eid and Palm Sunday gatherings, have further intensified concerns over religious freedom in the contested city.
