Israeli occupation forces continue to close Al-Aqsa Mosque for the 18th consecutive day

QUDS, March 17 (YPA) – The Israeli occupation authorities continue to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of  Quds (Jerusalem) closed for the 18th consecutive day, under so-called “security” pretexts linked to regional developments.

The Quds Governorate firmly rejected this measure, clarifying that its position is not based on ignoring considerations related to the safety of worshippers or downplaying the importance of preserving lives, but rather on a firmly established legal and political principle concerning the entity exclusively authorized to manage the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in the occupied city of Quds.

It explained that the administration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, including regulating entry, opening its doors, or closing it when necessary, is the exclusive authority of the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites.

This is based on the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which is internationally recognized and, in practice, implicitly acknowledged by the occupation authorities through understandings in place for decades.

@E.Y.M