Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Jeddah, SANA – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday warned of the dangers posed by continued Israeli occupation practices targeting holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, describing them as a systematic attempt to obliterate the city’s historical, religious, and cultural identity and undermine the authentic Christian presence in Palestine.
In a statement, the OIC called on the international community to take urgent action to halt violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites and to preserve Jerusalem’s cultural identity as well as its legal and historical status, which it stressed constitutes a shared human and religious heritage that must be protected.
The organization also condemned the recent decision by Israeli occupation authorities to impose heavy taxes on the properties of the Orthodox Patriarchate and freeze its bank accounts, describing the move as part of ongoing assaults on freedom of worship and holy sites. It said such actions blatantly contravene United Nations and UNESCO resolutions and international law.
Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive issues in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it, a move rejected by the United Nations and the international community. The city is home to key religious sites for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Noura /BA
