The Government of the Maldives has strongly condemned the continued closure of the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces to worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said restricting access to one of Islam’s holiest sites during the sacred month constituted a “blatant violation of international law” and described the move as a deliberate provocation.
The statement said the restrictions undermine the sanctity, legal status and religious significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which holds deep importance for Muslims around the world.
The government also expressed concern that limiting access to the site during Ramadan could further inflame tensions in the region.
Maldives reiterated its call on the international community to take “decisive action” to hold Israel accountable for what it described as serious human rights violations and for disregarding the longstanding status quo governing access to the site.
The Maldivian government urged the international community to take steps to protect the religious and legal status of the site and ensure that freedom of worship is respected.