OIC, Arab League and African Union Condemn Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States and the African Union Commission condemned the continued closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli authorities, calling the measure a violation of religious freedoms and the historic status of holy sites in Jerusalem.

In a joint statement issued the three organizations stressed the central religious significance of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims worldwide, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

They said preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the site represents a serious breach of established historical and legal arrangements governing religious sites in the occupied city.

The statement held Israel responsible, as the occupying power, for the consequences of what it described as “illegal and provocative measures,” warning that such actions risk escalating tensions and undermining regional stability.

The organizations urged the international community, particularly the U.N. Security Council, to ensure respect for freedom of worship and to press for the immediate reopening of the mosque to worshippers.