Al-Aqsa Mosque Preacher Criticizes Arab, Islamic Inaction on Mosque Closure

Occupied Jerusalem - Ekhbary News Agency

Al-Aqsa Preacher Slams Arab, Islamic Silence on Mosque Closure

The Imam and Preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Akram Sabri, has sharply criticized what he described as the absence of Arab and Islamic action during the 40-day closure of the holy site. Speaking on Thursday evening, Sabri stated that the occupation authorities faced no real pressure to reopen the mosque. He expressed astonishment at the silence of Arab and Islamic nations and their failure to activate any diplomatic or economic pressure mechanisms, including recalling ambassadors from countries with ties to Israel.

Comparison with Other Incidents

Sheikh Sabri drew a parallel between the Al-Aqsa closure and the incident where the Latin Patriarch was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In that case, major international powers intervened and exerted pressure that forced the occupation to back down. He noted that Muslims did not receive a similar reaction when they were barred from Al-Aqsa, suggesting a double standard.

Public Mobilization Without Official Response

On the popular level, Sabri pointed to demonstrations and marches in several Arab and Islamic countries, but these did not elicit an official response. He affirmed that peoples and scholars had mobilized, but this had not translated into effective political stances. He lamented the loss of 40 days from Al-Aqsa's history and Muslims' lives, warning against future closures and emphasizing the Palestinians' right to continue their steadfastness and defense of the mosque.

Serious Violation of Freedom of Worship

Sheikh Akram Sabri condemned the Israeli measures, describing them as a serious transgression of freedom of worship and a clear violation of international norms and laws. He asserted that the security pretexts cited by the occupation were unconvincing and that the closure deprived hundreds of thousands of Muslims of performing prayers, including Friday prayers, I'tikaf, Laylat al-Qadr, and Eid al-Fitr. He stressed that reopening the mosque was a natural right, not a favor to be bestowed upon Muslims, and that prayer in Al-Aqsa is a divine and creedal right that should not be restricted.

Warning Against Settler Incursions

In a related context, Sabri warned against the timing of Al-Aqsa's reopening coinciding with settler incursions. He noted that hundreds of settlers had stormed the mosque and performed Talmudic prayers publicly in its courtyards, aiming to impose a new reality and alter the status quo, which constitutes an assault on Al-Aqsa's sanctity and an provocation to Muslim sentiments.