MPR urges OIC to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from Israeli provocations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Palestinian Authority to take concrete steps to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque, following the latest incursion by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

In a statement in Jakarta on Friday, Hidayat Nur Wahid, also known as HNW, condemned Israel’s actions, which he said violated various international agreements regarding the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a sacred site for Muslims and a world heritage site.

“The actions of the Zionists are clearly very provocative; they are no longer ashamed to claim control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque area, repeatedly and arrogantly violating international community agreements that the Al-Aqsa Mosque must be protected as a heritage and place of worship for Muslims,” he said.

According to him, the act of raising the Israeli flag and claiming control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex shows disregard for various international decisions, including the 2016 UNESCO resolution which designated the Al-Aqsa Mosque as a sacred Islamic site.

HNW also mentioned the decision of an international commission formed by Britain in 1930, which stated that the Western Wall is an integral part of the Haram al-Sharif area or the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is a waqf for Muslims.

“Ben-Gvir’s actions in provoking and raising the Israeli flag in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex clearly violate this international agreement,” he said.

Therefore, HNW asked the OIC to strengthen diplomatic efforts with member states and the international community to ensure that all international agreements regarding the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque are upheld.

“This is a very big task, and it is very urgent that it be completed by the OIC together with its member states, including Jordan, which has been given the authority as the manager of the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.

He also warned that repeated violations of international law could worsen the security and peace situation in the Palestinian region.

HNW encouraged the Palestinian Authority to strengthen unity among factions and work with the OIC and international organisations to protect and save the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the threat of Israeli occupation.