Bilawal urges Kashmiris to shape their own future

Fourteen Arab and Palestinian organisations have issued an urgent appeal calling for immediate international action to protect occupied East Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque, warning that recent Israeli measures are threatening the city’s religious heritage and historic identity. The groups said the situation has reached a critical stage and argued that stronger global intervention is needed to prevent further escalation. In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the organisations expressed concern over what they described as increasing Israeli actions aimed at changing the existing status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. They said recent developments have targeted not only Al Aqsa Mosque but also the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem and the city’s Arab, Islamic, and Christian character. Al Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third holiest site. The same area is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab Israeli war and later declared the entire city its capital in 1980, a move that has not been recognised by most of the international community. According to the appeal, Israeli authorities have allowed an increase in visits to the Al Aqsa compound by Jewish groups under police protection. The organisations claimed these actions, along with restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers, are attempts to alter the long standing arrangements governing access to the holy site. The statement also raised concerns about attacks on worshippers, restrictions placed on religious leaders, and measures targeting guards responsible for protecting the mosque. The groups argued that these actions undermine freedom of worship and threaten the historical and legal status of one of Islam’s most important religious landmarks. Beyond the mosque itself, the organisations accused Israel of expanding settlements, demolishing Palestinian homes, revoking residency rights, carrying out excavations around the Old City, and increasing pressure on both Islamic and Christian religious sites. They warned that these policies are changing the city’s demographic and cultural landscape while placing Jerusalem’s diverse religious heritage at risk. The appeal also highlighted concerns over the city’s Christian community. It said restrictions affecting churches, religious institutions, and Christian leaders threaten the long established Christian presence in Jerusalem and weaken the city’s multicultural identity. The organisations argued that international statements of concern are no longer enough to address the situation. They called for coordinated political, legal, and human rights efforts to stop actions they consider violations of international law. They also urged governments and international institutions to ensure accountability and prevent further changes to the city’s status. The statement specifically called on Jordan, which holds custodial responsibilities for Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, to intensify diplomatic efforts and encourage stronger international engagement. The groups said Jordan’s role remains essential in defending the religious and historical significance of the city’s sacred places. Describing Jerusalem as a shared historical, cultural, and religious responsibility, the organisations stressed that protecting the city requires practical measures rather than symbolic declarations. They said preserving the rights of its residents and safeguarding its holy sites should remain an international priority. The appeal was signed by several organisations, including the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad, the Al Quds International Institution, the Arab National Congress, the European Palestinian Conference, and the Islamic National Conference. The statement comes as tensions continue to rise across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military raids and settler related violence have increased since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Palestinian officials say thousands of people have been injured or arrested during this period, while violence has intensified further following recent deadly clashes near Nablus involving Palestinians, Israeli settlers, and Israeli forces.