Pakistan, 7 Muslim states condemn Al-Aqsa violations, reject bid to ‘alter Jerusalem status quo’

• Joint statement from Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, rejects all attempts to change historic and legal status quo of Jerusalem

• Warns ‘provocative actions’ violate international law and inflame Muslim world, denouncing expansion of illegal settlements and escalating settler violence in West Bank

• Call for urgent global action and reaffirm two-state solution with East Jerusalem as capital

 ISLAMABAD: Foreign ministers of Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday categorically rejected any attempt to “alter the historic and legal status quo of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites,” while strongly condemning “what they termed” repeated violations by Israeli occupation authorities.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned what they described as “repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.”

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Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, 23 April, 2026

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 23, 2026

They particularly denounced continued incursions by Israeli settlers and “extremist ministers” into Al Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif under Israeli police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.

The ministers said these provocative actions constitute a “flagrant violation” of international law and international humanitarian law, and represent an unacceptable provocation to Muslims worldwide, while undermining the sanctity of the holy city.

They reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any attempt to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, stressing its preservation and recognising the special role of the Hashemite custodianship.

The statement reiterated that the entire area of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, spanning 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. It added that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, holds exclusive administrative authority over the site, including regulation of entry.

The ministers also strongly condemned accelerating illegal settlement expansion, including Israel’s approval of over 30 new settlements, calling it a clear violation of international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

They further condemned escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank, including attacks on Palestinian schools and children, and called for accountability for those responsible.

The statement reiterated that Israel has “no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory” and firmly rejected any attempts to annex Palestinian land or displace its people.

The ministers warned that such actions directly undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution, heighten tensions, and obstruct peace and de-escalation efforts.

They called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities, take decisive steps to halt violations, and intensify diplomatic efforts toward a comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

They reaffirmed unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The statement came two days after a fresh storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers. According to reports, settlers entered through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection, with videos showing them performing rituals inside the compound, including what is described as “epic prostration” in its eastern section.

Images circulating online also showed individuals raising the Israeli flag inside the compound, with the Dome of the Rock visible in the background.

Earlier, on April 6, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had also entered the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, touring its courtyards under heavy police escort. Reports noted he has entered the site approximately 14 times since taking office in 2023.

He again visited the site on April 13 under tight security, amid continued tensions surrounding the sensitive holy site.