The Muslim World League (MWL) expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday for statements made by an Israeli minister supporting the building of a Jewish synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, who is the MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, criticized his comments as being a part of Israel's ongoing disrespect towards Muslim holy places.
He warned against the dangerous consequences of Israel consistently ignoring international law and human rights, stating that any actions affecting the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque would anger Muslims globally.
He emphasized the urgent necessity for the global community to take strong measures against these violations and stop the systematic crimes committed by the Israeli government against innocent civilians.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's tough Security Minister, reiterated his demand on Monday for Jews to have the right to pray at the Al-Aqsa compound, sparking backlash for escalating tensions while ceasefire talks continue to try to stop the violence in Gaza.
Praying is permitted at the Temple Mount according to the policy. "Full stop," Ben-Gvir stated during an interview with Army Radio. "When I joined the government, the prime minister assured me there would be no discrimination." Is it permissible for Muslims to pray while Jews are not allowed to pray?
When asked if he would construct a synagogue at the location if given the chance, Ben-Gvir responded affirmatively twice, "Yes, Yes".
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly released a statement reaffirming Israel's official stance, which abides by long-standing regulations that limit non-Muslim worship at the mosque complex.
The compound on the hill in Jerusalem's Old City is a highly sensitive area in the Middle East, revered by Muslims and Jews alike, and has been the cause of numerous conflicts.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, who speaks for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stated that attempts to alter the status of Al-Aqsa seemed to be aimed at sparking a religious conflict that would harm everyone in the region.
The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) firmly denounced Ben-Gvir's statements on Tuesday, describing them as a continuation of Israel's infringement on sacred sites and the right to practice religion.
Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and is considered an essential part of the Palestinian territories, with the city serving as the capital of a Palestinian state.
It was further stated that all actions taken by Israel to make Jerusalem more Jewish while under occupation are without legal standing and are considered invalid in accordance with international laws and resolutions.
The OIC blamed the Israeli government for the continuous deliberate violations that provoke Muslim sentiments globally and may lead to religious conflict, extremism, and instability in the region.
It urged the influential international parties to act and stop Israeli violations to protect the historical and legal status of Islamic and Muslim sites in Jerusalem.
The United Arab Emirates criticized the comments made by the Israeli minister, emphasizing the importance of Israel adhering to the historical and legal status in Jerusalem.
Qatar supported the call, cautioning that Ben-Gvir's "provocative remarks could impact current attempts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza."
