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jerusalem Islamabad: Pakistan, along with seven other nations, has strongly criticized Israel over restrictions affecting religious worship in occupied Jerusalem, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. The condemnation comes amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict involving Israel and the United States against Iran, which began on February 28. Citing security concerns, Israeli authorities have limited access to key religious sites in Jerusalem, impacting followers of multiple faiths. Restrictions Impact Muslims and Christians.The measures have affected access to major sacred locations, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall. Muslim worshippers have reportedly faced barriers entering Al-Aqsa and the wider Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound. In addition, Christian leaders were also restricted. Authorities reportedly blocked the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custodian of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday prayers. Joint Statement by Eight Countries.Pakistan joined Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in issuing a unified statement rejecting what they described as ongoing violations of religious freedoms. The group emphasized that such actions breach international law and undermine the fundamental right of individuals to freely access places of worship. They described the restrictions as unlawful and called for respect for the long-standing historical and legal arrangements governing Jerusalem’s religious sites. Concerns Over Legal Violations.The statement further stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, does not possess sovereignty over Jerusalem. It highlighted that closing access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for extended periods — including during the holy month of Ramadan — represents a serious breach of international obligations. Officials noted that worshippers were denied entry for nearly a month, forcing many to pray outside restricted zones, even during important religious occasions like Eid. Warning of Rising Tensions.The foreign ministers warned that continued restrictions could escalate tensions, posing risks not only to regional stability but also to global peace and security. They also reaffirmed that the administration of Al-Aqsa Mosque falls under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Endowments Department, which operates under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Call for Immediate Action.The countries urged Israel to reopen access routes to religious sites, remove restrictions within Jerusalem’s Old City, and ensure that worshippers can practice their faith without interference. They also called on the international community to take a clear and firm stance to stop what they described as ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites. Recent Developments.In a recent incident, Israeli police reportedly prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday services. Meanwhile, in an unprecedented move since 1967, Al-Aqsa Mosque was closed at the end of Ramadan this year, forcing thousands to offer Eid prayers outside the compound. Earlier this year, restrictions were also imposed on Palestinians from the West Bank, limiting their ability to attend Friday prayers. Attendance during Ramadan was capped at 10,000 worshippers. Why Pakistan Is Emerging as a Key Player in US-Iran Diplomacy |