Malaysia strongly condemns Israel’s closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque gates during Ramadan, calling it a violation of international law and the site’s status quo.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has issued a strong condemnation of the continued closure of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Foreign Ministry stated that restricting Muslim worshippers’ access to Jerusalem’s Old City and its holy sites constitutes a grave violation of international law.
“Such actions represent yet another provocation against Muslim worshippers and further escalate tensions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” it said in a statement.
The ministry added that these discriminatory restrictions breach international humanitarian law and the historical status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites.
Malaysia unequivocally rejects what it calls Israel’s illegal attempts to undermine the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It reiterated that Israel holds no sovereignty over Occupied East Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
“The entire 144 dunam compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims,” the ministry emphasised.
It affirmed that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department under Jordan remains the sole legitimate authority for administering the site.
Malaysia urged the international community to compel Israel to cease its violations against holy sites in Jerusalem.
It called for respect for the sanctity and historical status quo of these sacred places.