The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) strongly condemns the violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers at Masjid Al-Aqsa during the holy month of Ramadan. It has been reported that hundreds of Palestinians have been arrested and more than a dozen have been injured as they exercised their right to worship in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

BHRC is deeply concerned about the excessive and unjustified force used by Israeli authorities against Palestinian Muslims who were gathered for Ramadan prayers. It is reported that at least thirty (31) Palestinians were injured inside and immediately outside the compound, while paramedics were allegedly prevented from providing medical treatment to the wounded.

This is a blatant violation of international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Certainly, no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention and that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief in worship.

Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that must be respected and protected. We call for an immediate end to the recurring violence committed against Palestinians during Ramadan and for the protection of their human rights.

As the independent human rights institution of the Bangsamoro, BHRC is not precluded from expressing its concern over the violence at Masjid Al-Aqsa and its worshippers as it is still considered a grave human rights concern, an issue that is worthy of international condemnation.

We call upon all international human rights institutions and human rights champions to condemn this violence and take action to stop it. We also call upon all Muslim countries to unite for the human rights of the Palestinians.