World ( The cow news digital ) Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have strongly condemned restrictions imposed on Muslim and Christian worship in occupied Jerusalem, calling the measures a violation of international law and religious freedom.
According to a statement issued by the foreign ministries, the countries—Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—expressed deep concern over Israeli restrictions affecting access to holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The joint declaration stated that preventing Muslims from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque and restricting Christian religious leaders from accessing sacred churches represents a serious breach of internationally recognized legal and humanitarian principles.
The foreign ministers described the restrictions as an attempt to alter the historical and legal status of religious sites in occupied East Jerusalem. They rejected any unilateral measures that could change the identity or governance of these sacred places.
The statement further highlighted that the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque gates for an extended period, including during the holy month of Ramadan, constitutes a severe violation of the right to worship and risks escalating tensions across the region.
The ministers reaffirmed that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is exclusively designated for Muslim worship and that its administration is the responsibility of the Jordanian Awqaf authority. They urged Israel to immediately reopen access to the mosque, lift restrictions in the Old City of Jerusalem, and ensure that worshippers are able to reach their religious sites without obstruction.
The statement also called on the international community to take a firm stance against ongoing violations and to work toward ensuring the protection of religious freedoms in Jerusalem. It emphasized that continued restrictions could have serious implications for regional stability and peace efforts.
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The issue of access to holy sites in Jerusalem has long been a sensitive matter, frequently drawing international attention and diplomatic concern. Analysts note that such developments often contribute to heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
As global reactions continue, diplomatic pressure is expected to increase on all parties involved to respect international law and preserve the sanctity of religious sites for all faiths.
