Abu dhabi: The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli authorities’ decision to close the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan. The council describes this action as a violation of the freedom of worship and an affront to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, the council expressed its complete rejection of the restrictions imposed by Israel, which hinder worshippers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City of Jerusalem. The council emphasized that these measures violate international law and disrupt the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, contravening the fundamental principle of free and non-discriminatory access to places of worship.
The council reiterated that Al-Aqsa Mosque, encompassing 144 dunams, is solely a Muslim place of worship. It called upon the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by taking a firm stance against Israel’s violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The council further urged for decisive action to cease unlawful practices targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and to ensure respect for freedom of worship and the sanctity of these sites.
