The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation affirmed today that ‘Al-Aqsa Mosque in its entirety is a pure place of worship for Muslims only,’ warning against any attempt to change the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held today at its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an extraordinary meeting of the open-ended Executive Committee regarding the continuation of the attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, at the invitation of both the State of Palestine and the Kingdom of Jordan. The Secretary-General of the organization, Hissein Brahim Taha, reiterated the organization’s rejection and strong condemnation of all Israeli occupation policies and measures aimed at obliterating the identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, stressing that ‘it is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and the capital of the State of Palestine.’ The Secretary-General also renewed the organization’s position on the course of events in the blessed Al-Aqsa, in his speech before the extraordinary meeting, noting that ‘the meeting comes at a time when the conditions in the Holy City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its Islamic sanctities are deteriorating as a result of the escalation of the blatant violations and aggressions of the Israeli occupation. Taha condemned the occupation forces and extremist settlers for storming the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and for their brutal assault on worshipers in its courtyards, injuring and arresting hundreds of them, which he said constitutes a flagrant violation of the sanctity of holy places and freedom of worship, and of the Geneva Conventions and relevant United Nations resolutions. He warned against ‘any attempt to change the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque,’ holding the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the repercussions of these serious crimes and violations, which would lead to fuelling violence and tension and destabilizing security and stability in the region. Taha stressed that ‘all the occupation’s decisions and policies aimed at changing the city’s geographical and demographic status and affecting the historical and legal status of its holy places have no legal effect and are considered null and void under international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.’

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA)