The leading Sunni Islamic authority in Egypt, Al-Azhar, has established itself Issued On Friday, March 27, we strongly condemned the ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli authorities, describing the move as a serious violation of religious freedom and international law.
In an official statement published on its website Social media platformsThe sheikhdom denounced the continued restrictions on access to the mosque, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, and beyond. Al-Azhar stressed that Al-Aqsa Mosque occupies a unique position in Islam as the first of the two qiblahs and the third holiest site, which makes such actions extremely offensive to Muslims around the world.
The statement said: “It constitutes a confiscation of the right of Palestinians to practice their religious rituals, a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world, and a flagrant violation of international law.”
The Israeli authorities implemented Strict closures Restrictions have been imposed on access to the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa compound since February 28, preventing worshipers from entering and forcing many to pray in the streets surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem.
These measures particularly drew attention during Eid prayers, when large numbers of Palestinians were denied access to the site. the a report He pointed out that the worshipers were forced to gather outside the complex, describing the moment as one of the most difficult moments Muslims have experienced in the city in recent years.
Al-Azhar warned in its statement that such actions threaten to deepen instability throughout the region. He called on the international community to confront the systematic acts of aggression that could turn the region into a permanent arena for wars and conflicts.
The Foundation also confirmed its position on the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that Al-Aqsa “was and will remain, God willing, a purely Islamic sanctuary,” rejecting any attempts to change its identity or impose new facts on the ground.
In addition, Al-Azhar accused the Israeli authorities of adopting policies aimed at changing the character of Jerusalem, describing it as “the eternal capital of the State of Palestine.”