ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has strongly condemned what it described as “provocative and inflammatory actions” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, warning that such measures threaten regional stability and undermine prospects for lasting peace.
The foreign ministers of the eight countries expressed grave concern over the latest developments at the holy site following a visit by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, accompanied by hundreds of Israeli Jews, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The ministers condemned what they described as the continued incursions by Israeli settlers led by extremist ministers under the protection of Israeli security forces.
The statement also criticised the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyards, the erection of two police tents inside the compound, and other actions considered provocative.
The joint declaration stated that these actions constitute a clear violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the long-standing historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.
The ministers stressed that any attempt to alter the existing arrangements at Al-Aqsa Mosque is unacceptable and risks escalating tensions in the region.
The statement further denounced what it described as illegal acts of incitement, organised calls for incursions into the mosque compound, and violence by extremist Israeli ministers and groups.
It warned that such actions fuel hatred, encourage extremism, and hinder international efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on the internationally supported two-state solution.
The ministers also expressed concern over restrictions imposed on access to Jerusalem’s Old City and its places of worship, describing them as discriminatory measures that violate international humanitarian law and seek to alter the historical and legal status of the holy sites.
The eight countries stated that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They also rejected what they described as continued Israeli measures intended to change the historical, legal and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem.
The joint statement reaffirmed recognition of the Hashemite custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and emphasised that the entire 144-dunam area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims.
It further stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, operating under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the mosque and regulating access.
Calling on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately remove restrictions on access to the Old City and facilitate the free movement of Muslim worshippers, the ministers also urged the international community to take a firm and effective stance to compel Israel to halt what they described as ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The latest diplomatic response came after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa compound during the Jewish fasting day of Tisha B’Av.
Meanwhile, the hundreds of Jewish visitors entered the site alongside him, with many observed offering prayers inside the compound, prompting widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.
