Jerusalem: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the Israeli authorities' prevention of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Francesco Patton, from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the OIC General described the move as an arbitrary measure that constitutes a violation of the right to worship and an infringement on the longstanding legal and historical status quo at holy sites. The statement highlighted that such actions are part of a broader campaign targeting the Christian presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
The OIC expressed concern over the escalating Israeli violations against holy sites, noting the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque as an example. It called upon the international community to take concrete measures to pressure Israel to cease such actions, guarantee freedom of worship, and preserve the existing legal and historical status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites.
