Africa Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf/ X
The League of Arab States, the African Union Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have jointly condemned what they described as illegal practices by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, warning that the actions risk escalating tensions and undermining international law.
In a joint statement issued by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, the three organizations expressed concern over measures affecting the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in East Jerusalem and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The leaders accused Israel of violating international law and attempting to alter the historical and legal status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem. They said restrictions imposed on Muslim worshippers and actions affecting access to Al-Aqsa Mosque were unacceptable and could have far-reaching consequences for regional peace and stability.
“The continued closure of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslim worshippers constitutes a grave violation of the existing historical and legal status quo in the Islamic and Christian holy sites in the occupied city of Jerusalem,” the statement said.
The three organisations stressed that Jerusalem holds a special religious and cultural significance for millions of people around the world and warned against any measures aimed at changing the city's demographic, geographic or legal character.
They further stated that Israel, as the occupying power, bears responsibility for the consequences of its actions in the occupied territories.
“Israel, the occupying power, bears full responsibility for the consequences of these illegal and provocative measures,” the statement added.
The joint statement reaffirmed backing for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
The organisations called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take urgent action to ensure respect for international law and protect freedom of worship at holy sites.
“The international community, in particular the UN Security Council, should assume its responsibilities in obliging the Israeli occupation authorities to respect the right to freedom of worship,” the statement said.
The joint statement highlights growing international concern over developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
It also reflects continued calls for diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace, protecting religious freedoms and advancing a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
