Ankara: Trkiye and seven other Muslim countries have jointly condemned the ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities, which has restricted access to worshippers.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the foreign ministers of eight Islamic nations, including Turkey, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, have issued a statement denouncing Israel’s decision to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed since February 28. The statement emphasizes their “absolute” rejection of these actions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministers’ statement highlighted that the security restrictions imposed by Israel are a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. It stressed that these measures contravene the historical and legal status quo and the principle of unrestricted access to places of worship. The ministers collectively condemned what they described as illegal and unjustified actions by Israel, asserting that Israel lacks sovereignty over Jerusalem and its religious sites.

The statement also reiterated that the entire 144-dunum area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively for Muslim worship. It emphasized that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, operating under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, is the sole legal authority managing Al-Aqsa Mosque and regulating entry.

The foreign ministers urged Israel to immediately reopen the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and halt any obstruction of worshippers’ access. They also called for lifting restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and ensuring unhindered entry for Muslim worshippers.

Furthermore, the foreign ministers appealed to the international community to take a decisive stance against Israel’s ongoing violations and illegal practices against holy sites in Jerusalem. They urged for action to uphold the sanctity of these religious places.

The closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities was initiated on February 28 under the pretext of a state of emergency related to the Israeli-American conflict with Iran.