Condemnation from African Union, OIC, and Arab States Over Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel

The African Union Commission has voiced its condemnation of the Israeli authorities' decision to shut down the Al-Aqsa Mosque, cautioning that such an action could escalate tensions throughout the region.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, the Commission collaborated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States (LAS), asserting that the mosque’s closure constitutes a breach of the rights of Palestinians.

The involved parties labeled the ongoing closure of the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers as provocative, underlining the significance of the month of Ramadan for the faithful.

Located in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City, the Al-Aqsa Mosque holds the title of the third-holiest site in Islam and has often been at the center of discord between Israeli forces and Palestinian visitors.

Israel has justified the closure of multiple holy sites in East Jerusalem for security reasons, citing threats of potential attacks.

Additionally, the closure coincides with recent escalations in the region, notably marked by the joint military operations initiated by Israel and the United States against Tehran at the end of February, which have given rise to a broader regional conflict affecting the global economic landscape.

The Israeli closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque occurs during Ramadan, a critical period for Muslim worship.

The African Union Commission, along with the OIC and LAS, emphasized that such actions by Israel infringe upon both historical and legal statuses of the Islamic and Christian holy sites within the occupied territories of Jerusalem.

They cautioned that Israel's aggressive measures could stir anger among Muslims worldwide, describing these actions as an attack on recognized religious rights and cultural heritage of the Islamic community.

The signatories called on Israel to be held responsible for the repercussions of its unlawful and provocative actions.

They urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to step in and ensure that Israeli authorities are compelled to uphold the right to religious freedom.

The organizations demanded that the United Nations take immediate action to maintain and safeguard the historical and legal integrity of the holy sites, including promptly reopening the gates of the venerable Al-Aqsa Mosque and lifting all access restrictions on Palestinian citizens to the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Moreover, they requested assurances for Palestinians to freely practice their religious rights and require the preservation of landmarks, heritage, and cultural identity as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions 252 of 1968, 267 of 1969, and 476 of 1980.