Pakistan condemns violation of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

JERUSALEM: Pakistan on Tuesday denounced the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the Israeli flag inside its courtyard by illegal Israeli settlers, describing the incident as a clear breach of international law.

Israeli occupiers entered the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday and raised the Israeli flag during the incursion as tensions continued to rise across the West Bank. They entered through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection.

Videos shared on social media showed occupiers carrying out Talmudic rituals and praying aloud, including what was described as epic prostration, especially in the eastern section of the compound. Images circulated online also showed two occupiers holding up the Israeli flag inside the compound, with the Dome of the Rock visible behind them.

In an official statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan condemned the incident in the strongest terms.

These reprehensible acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, as well as of the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site.

The statement said such provocative actions could further inflame tensions in the region.

Pakistan also called for all possible steps to safeguard holy places under Israeli occupation and to end the impunity of illegal settlers operating under its patronage.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan remained steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and backed their right to worship. It also reiterated support for the creation of an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Background and status of the site

Al-Aqsa Mosque is regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as Temple Mount, saying it was the location of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Since 2003, Israeli police have unilaterally permitted occupiers to enter the mosque compound daily during two periods, in the morning and afternoon, except on Fridays and Saturdays.

Palestinians say Israel is stepping up efforts to Judaise East Jerusalem, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, and to erase its Arab and Islamic identity. They regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, in line with international resolutions that do not recognise Israel’s occupation of the city in 1967 or its annexation in 1980.