General Secretariat statement on closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, represented by the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, expresses its profound concern over the continued measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities to close Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Sharif to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Such actions constitute an infringement on freedom of worship and a violation of the historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in the city of Jerusalem.

The Secretariat affirms that Al-Aqsa Mosque holds a special religious and historical significance for Muslims across the world, and that any measures restricting access to it or impeding the performance of religious rites therein are liable to escalate tensions and undermine efforts aimed at achieving calm and stability.

It further stresses the necessity of respecting the established status quo at the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and of adhering to international law and the relevant instruments that guarantee the protection of holy places and freedom of worship, particularly United Nations resolutions 252 of 1968, 267 of 1969, and 476 of 1980.

The Secretariat calls upon the relevant authorities to immediately halt the measures that have led to the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, to reopen it to worshippers, and to ensure free access to the holy sites and the unhindered performance of religious rites.

It also urges efforts to de-escalate tensions and avoid any steps that could further inflame the situation in the region, noting that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Al-Haram Al-Sharif, covering 144 dunums, constitutes an exclusively Muslim place of worship.

The Secretariat also expresses concern regarding the restrictions imposed on access to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron, including its closure, which represents a violation of freedom of worship and undermines the sanctity of one of the most prominent religious and historical sites.

It further calls upon the international community and the relevant organisations to assume their responsibilities in protecting the holy sites and preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, affirming that respect for holy places and freedom of worship constitute essential elements for maintaining stability and promoting prospects for peace in the region.