Pakistan condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque, calls Israeli flag raising ‘reprehensible’

• FO spokesperson flays storming of Al Aqsa Mosque, calling Israeli actions ‘blatant violation of international law’

• Denounces acts as ‘reprehensible’ and provocative escalation, saying illegal settlers entered site through Mughrabi Gate under police protection

• Urges global action to protect holy sites under Israeli occupation, reaffirming support for Palestine, pre-1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as capital

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday condemned in the “strongest terms” the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the Israeli flag in its courtyard, calling the acts “reprehensible” and a clear violation of international law, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a statement, the FO said these “reprehensible acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, as well as the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site,” adding that such provocative actions risk further escalating tensions across the region.

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Pakistan Condemns Violation of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026

It said the storming of the site and the raising of the “occupying power’s flag” were carried out by illegal Israeli settlers, who entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection, according to an Anadolu reporter.

Videos circulating on social media showed settlers performing Talmudic rituals and prayers aloud, including what is described as “epic prostration,” particularly in the eastern section of the compound. Photos also showed two settlers raising the Israeli flag inside the courtyard, with the Dome of the Rock visible in the background.

The FO urged the international community to take all possible measures to protect holy sites under Israeli occupation and to end what it called impunity enjoyed by illegal settlers operating under official protection.

“Pakistan continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirms its unwavering support for their right to worship, and reiterates support for an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital,” the statement added.

Earlier, on April 6, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Palestinian news agency Wafa, citing the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, reported that he toured the mosque courtyards via the Mughrabi Gate, proceeded to the Chain Gate, and exited the same route under heavy police deployment.

The report added that he had entered the compound around 14 times since taking office in 2023, reflecting what it described as an escalating policy toward the holy site. He again visited the compound on April 13 under tight police protection.