Foreign ministers from eight Arab-Islamic nations have issued a strong condemnation of recent Israeli activities at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound located in occupied East Jerusalem. They described these actions as breaches of international law and threats to the stability and peace of the region.
In a joint declaration released in Islamabad, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates voiced deep concern over repeated incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the mosque area, which were carried out under the protection of Israeli security forces.
The ministers highlighted that the hoisting of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyard, along with other related acts, constituted provocative measures violating international law, pertinent United Nations resolutions, and the established historical and legal status of this sacred site.
Furthermore, the statement criticized ongoing Israeli policies aimed at altering the historical, legal, and demographic nature of occupied East Jerusalem. It warned that such actions jeopardize the sanctity of both Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Reaffirming their dedication to maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem, the ministers emphasized Jordan’s unique custodial role over Islamic and Christian holy places. They reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound remains a place of worship for Muslims and is managed by the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department.
The eight countries held Israeli authorities accountable for preventing any further escalation and demanded an immediate cessation of what they termed illegal and provocative acts. They cautioned that continued violations risk intensifying tensions, fostering extremism, and destabilizing the region.
In a significant development, the ministers also reiterated their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, endorsing the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The statement concluded by calling for a just, enduring, and comprehensive peace settlement grounded in international law, United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
