Muslim world reacts as Israel closes Al-Aqsa Mosque

The African Union Commission has criticised Israel for closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning that the action could increase tensions in the region.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States joined the AU in condemning the closure. They said the move violates the rights of Palestinian Muslims to worship.

The groups described the continued closure of the mosque to Palestinian Muslim worshippers as provocative, especially because it is happening during Ramadan, a very important month for Muslims.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third-holiest site in Islam. The area has often been a source of tension between Israeli authorities and Palestinian worshippers.

Israeli authorities said the site and other holy places in East Jerusalem were closed because the areas could be targeted in attacks.

The closure comes during a wider conflict in the region. At the end of February, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran in Iran. The situation has since expanded into a larger regional war affecting the global economy.

The AU Commission, OIC, and the League of Arab States said Israel’s action violates the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem. They warned that the closure could anger Muslims around the world and described it as an attack on religious rights and heritage.

The organisations also said Israel must be held responsible for the consequences of what they called illegal and provocative actions.

They urged the United Nations Security Council to act and ensure Israel respects the right to freedom of worship. They called for the immediate reopening of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the removal of restrictions preventing Palestinians from accessing Jerusalem.

In addition, they demanded that Palestinians be allowed to practise their religious rights at the mosque and that the site’s history, heritage, and cultural identity be protected in line with several UN Security Council resolutions.