The closure has prevented tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers from accessing one of Islam’s holiest sites, in what has been widely described as a flagrant violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights.
“At a time that should be marked by prayer, reflection, and community, Palestinians are instead facing restrictions and denial of their basic right to worship,” said a spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. “Such actions are deeply concerning and must not be normalised.”
The Forum calls on the New Zealand Government and the international community to take a clear and principled stand against these violations and to uphold the protection of religious rights and unimpeded access to holy sites.
“The sanctity of religious spaces must be respected,” the spokesperson added. “Silence in the face of such actions only enables further injustice.”
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Palestine Forum of New Zealand
