OIC Reaffirms Key Position Of Jerusalem And Al-Aqsa For Muslims

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirmed the central religious and spiritual character of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and the place of importance the Al-Aqsa Mosque holds amongst the Muslims worldwide

JEDDAH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2017 ) - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reaffirmed the central religious and spiritual character of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and the place of importance the Al-Aqsa Mosque holds amongst the Muslims worldwide.

This affirmation comes on the occasion of Muslims marking the 48th anniversary of the horrific burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first Qibla (prayer direction) of Muslims and the third holiest site in islam, amid mounting extremist settlers' violations and assault, condoned by the Israeli occupation forces against the Al-Aqsa.

The OIC stressed at the same time that the integrity and sanctity of this city's holy places could only be maintained if peace and security are established throughout the entire region. The policy of Judaization and ethnic cleansing practised by the Israeli occupying power in the city of Jerusalem, against its population and sanctities, is such that it constitutes a breach of the Muslim Ummah's indelible religious rights and heritage.

More than a source of provocation to the feelings of Muslims, an offence to the freedom of worship and a desecration of the sacred places of Islam, these policies and practices are a complete affront to the international law and the relevant international legitimacy resolutions.

The OIC noted that it holds Israel, the occupying power, fully responsible for the safety of all the holy places falling under its unjust occupation,pointing out that the international covenants and agreements, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibit aggression by the occupying power on houses of worship and provide that free access to these places should be ensured.

These international instruments also prevent the occupying authority to take such measures as may alter the geographic and demographic status of historical and holy places. Faithful to its Primary cause of formation, and amid continuing Israeli aggression against the holy city of Al-Quds, the OIC reaffirms its rejection of any attempt to undermine the Palestinian sovereignty and compromise the Palestinian presence in Al-Quds.

It also calls on the international community to force Israel to abide by the principles and resolutions sanctioned by the international law and the international legitimacy, and to end its occupation of all the territory (to the 1967 borders) of the Palestinian state, granted admission to the UN on 29 November 2012.

The OIC also calls for a cessation of the ongoing Israeli violations and Judaization plans, especially Israel's attempts to harm the Islamic and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, on top of which is Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The OIC salutes the Palestinian people holding steadfast in the city of Al-Quds, reiterating its full solidarity with them and endorsing their struggle for their legitimate rights. The Organization further stresses its commitment to protect the city's Arab and Islamic identity, promote its status as a common human heritage and defend its Islamic and Christian shrines, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Further, the OIC reiterates its pledge to protect the Muslim community's inalienable religious rights in their city and calls for continued support to be provided to Al-Quds and its steadfast population.