Eight Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Israeli Worship Restrictions in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in an unprecedented move.

“Palestinians' suffering in Jerusalem deepens as Israeli restrictions continue to target central religious observances this year, with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre closed in an unprecedented move, parallel to the ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, turning the worship seasons into a scene of forced emptiness”

Al-Jazeera Net

The closure paralleled the ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Al-Jazeera Net

Israeli authorities allowed only a limited number of clergy to perform prayers inside the church on the condition they do not assemble.

The church doors remained closed for more than 37 days.

Eight Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement condemning the restrictions in the strongest terms.

The statement described the Israeli measures as a flagrant violation of international law.

Punch Newspapers

The ministers reiterated that there is no sovereignty for Israel as the occupying power over occupied Jerusalem.

The ministers condemned Israel's ongoing closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque for 30 consecutive days.

“In the usually lively alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City, silence reigned on Easter Sunday, with the holiday overshadowed by war and restrictions on access to the Holy Sepulchre, where the faithful commemorate Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection”

Punch Newspapers

They warned of the repercussions on regional and international peace and security.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusively Muslim place of worship administered by the Jerusalem Waqf under Jordan.

They called on Israel to immediately stop closing the doors and remove restrictions on access.

Markets and lanes in the Old City were closed, deepening the sense of emptiness.

Foreign pilgrims expressed sadness and frustration at being deprived of practicing their rites.

VOI.id

Debris from missiles had fallen in the Old City since the start of the war.

Security was stepped up in the Old City, located in annexed east Jerusalem.