Amman, March 15 (Petra) – The Arab League condemned the closure by Israeli occupation authorities of the gates of Al Aqsa Mosque to worshippers, preventing them from performing prayers and religious rites, according to a statement.
Member states of the pan-Arab organisation described the measure as a provocative act and a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law and the longstanding historical and legal status quo governing Al Aqsa Mosque.
They warned that the move constitutes an unprecedented provocation to the feelings of nearly two billion Muslims worldwide and undermines freedom of worship and unrestricted access to holy sites.
The member states of the Arab League said that they reject and condemn what they described as an illegitimate and unjustified measure, accusing Israeli authorities of using current regional developments as a pretext.
They denounced the ongoing provocative actions by Israeli authorities at Al Aqsa Mosque and against worshippers, according to the statement.
The statement stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, has no sovereignty over Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, including occupied Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
It rejected all decisions and measures taken by Israeli authorities that aim to alter the demographic, legal and historical status of Jerusalem or undermine its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity.
Arab League member states reaffirmed the sovereignty of the State of Palestine over East Jerusalem, which they consider the capital of the Palestinian state.
They discussed the historical Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem and Jordan's role in protecting these sites and preserving their Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, as well as maintaining the historical and legal status quo.
Al Aqsa Mosque, covering an area of 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, the Arab League member states stated.
The Jerusalem Waqf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department of Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places is the sole legal authority responsible for administering the Mosque and regulating entry to it, they said.
The member states asserted that Israel, as the occupying power, has no right to take measures preventing Muslims from performing their religious duties at the site, warning that such actions would further escalate tensions and carry serious repercussions for regional and international peace and security.
The statement expressed support for the role of the Jerusalem Committee and its executive arm, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency, and for the committee's ongoing efforts.
The Arab League called on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to assume its responsibilities and adopt a firm stance compelling Israel to halt what it described as ongoing illegal practices and violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.
It urged Israel to respect the sanctity of holy places, uphold freedom of worship, respect the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites, immediately reopen the gates of Al Aqsa Mosque to worshippers, lift restrictions on Palestinian access to occupied Jerusalem and comply with relevant United Nations resolutions.
//Petra// AK
