The Istanbul-based Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) launched an urgent ‘Al Aqsa Appeal’ this week to urge the reopening of one of Islam’s holiest sites.
The PCPA denounced the Israeli closure of the Al-Aqsa complex as unprecedented, noting that this is the longest the site has been shuttered since 1967.
Thursday marks 34 days since the holy site has been closed, with worshippers unable to pray there for the majority of Ramadan, or celebrate Eid there.
In a press statement given to Arabic news site Arabi21, the head of the organisation, Helmi al-Balbisi, rejected Israeli claims that the closure is due to security measures, adding that it is an attempt to exert control over the site and change its status quo.
“Closing the mosque and preventing worshippers from entering is a dangerous step within a systematic policy aimed at imposing a new reality in the holy city, reducing the Muslim presence at Al-Aqsa and disrupting worshippers’ religious practices,” he said.
Al-Balbisi further stated that while the closure comes amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tel Aviv has long attempted to restrict access to al-Aqsa and has pushed for the Judisation of Jerusalem.
This is a “blatant violation of freedom of worship and a direct interference in the historical role of the Islamic Waqf,” he continued.
The appeal, which has been described as “urgent”, warns that the mosque’s continued closure could lead to unprecedented changes in the legal and religious status of the site.
The appeal also raises concerns that the continued closure would allow Israel to deepen its control over Jerusalem.
In recent weeks, Palestinians living near Al-Aqsa have been subjected to harassments and restrictions on their movement.
In turn, Palestinians in some areas have taken part in demonstrations in a bid to pressure the Israeli government to re-open the mosque and stop any attempted to change its historical and religious status.
The appeal calls on Arabs, Muslims, and international organisations around the world to organise in solidarity.
“Any leniency or silence will only embolden and exacerbate the current crisis facing the mosque and Palestinian identity”.
The closure of al-Aqsa has sent shockwaves across the world as the site has become synonymous with Palestine and is also one of the most important locations in Islamic history.
