A coalition of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers has unveiled a coordinated initiative aimed at safeguarding religious sites in Jerusalem. The group, which convened in Jordan this week, announced plans to establish a permanent monitoring system to track and publicize alleged violations at Islamic and Christian holy locations in the city’s eastern sector.
The joint statement issued by participants including representatives from the Arab League, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia expressed concern that sacred sites face unprecedented threats. The declaration outlined proposals for a media platform to document incidents and present findings to international bodies and the global community. Officials participating in the meeting asserted that current policies pose risks to the region’s stability and peace prospects.
The initiative addresses multiple concerns raised by the diplomatic coalition. Ministers cited alleged restrictions on worshippers, claims of interference in religious administrative functions, ongoing excavation activities, and reported restrictions affecting access to Christian holy sites. The group condemned what they characterized as efforts to alter the historical and legal status of these locations.
Organizers indicated plans to escalate their efforts through additional diplomatic channels. A follow-up ministerial meeting is scheduled during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York this September, where representatives from Islamic and Arab organizations will convene to discuss further developments surrounding Jerusalem’s religious heritage sites.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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