Arab League calls for urgent global action to protect Jerusalem, as Qatar joins meeting condemning Israeli violations.
The Arab League has called for urgent and coordinated Arab, Islamic and international action to protect Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The appeal came in a resolution issued following an extraordinary meeting of permanent representatives held at the organisation’s headquarters in Cairo, at the request of Palestine.
Qatar participated in the meeting, with its delegation headed by Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to Egypt and permanent representative to the Arab League.
The council urged the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to adopt a firm stance that compels Israel to halt its violations and adhere to international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The council strongly condemned Israeli actions in occupied Jerusalem, describing them as flagrant violations of international law and the historic and legal status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It warned that the continued closure of the site, restrictions on worshippers, and measures imposed during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr undermine freedom of worship and provoke widespread outrage among Muslims worldwide.
The council also criticised measures targeting Christian presence in the city, including restrictions affecting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, describing them as serious violations of international agreements.
In its resolution, the council rejected Israeli policies aimed at altering the legal and historical status of Jerusalem and warned against actions that could lead to further escalation.
It also denounced efforts to undermine the work of UNRWA, stressing the importance of continued political, legal and financial support for the agency as a key pillar in addressing the Palestinian refugee issue.
The council further condemned Israeli legislation permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners, describing it as a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
It called on the International Criminal Court to launch an urgent investigation into the matter and hold those responsible accountable, while urging the international community to exert pressure on Israel to repeal the law.
Additionally, the council reaffirmed its rejection of any decisions that would alter the status of Jerusalem, including the relocation of foreign embassies to the city, warning such moves would have serious diplomatic repercussions.
It also called for intensified diplomatic efforts by Arab states and international organisations to ensure the implementation of the resolution and to mobilise broader global support for the protection of Jerusalem and its holy sites.
