Pakistan, seven Muslim nations condemn Israeli settlers' incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with seven other Muslim countries, on Tuesday strongly condemned the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

According to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates expressed their strongest condemnation of repeated entries by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli security forces, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyards.

The ministers described these actions as provocative, unacceptable and a blatant violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the longstanding historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

The joint statement reaffirmed the countries’ categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historical, legal and religious character of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy places. The ministers also underscored the importance of preserving the existing status quo and acknowledged the special role of the Hashemite custodianship of Jordan in safeguarding the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.

Emphasising the sanctity of the site, the ministers reiterated that the entire 144-dunam area of Al Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They 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’s affairs and regulating access to the sacred compound.

The joint declaration held Israeli authorities fully responsible for preventing such incidents and stopping actions that could further inflame tensions. The ministers warned that repeated violations at one of Islam’s holiest sites risk fuelling extremism, deepening instability and jeopardising ongoing international diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the region.

They called for the immediate cessation of all illegal and provocative Israeli practices at Al Aqsa Mosque and urged full respect for the site's historical and legal status.

Reaffirming their unwavering support for the Palestinian people, the foreign ministers stressed their commitment to the Palestinian cause and the protection of the Palestinian people’s legitimate and inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination.

The ministers reiterated support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The statement also reaffirmed backing for all regional and international efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace through the two-state solution framework, consistent with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legal principles.

The latest condemnation follows similar concerns raised earlier this year when Pakistan strongly denounced the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque compound and the display of the Israeli flag within its premises. Islamabad had described those actions as reprehensible and warned that such provocations could further escalate tensions across an already volatile region.

The joint statement reflects growing concern among Muslim nations over developments in Jerusalem and underscores their collective resolve to safeguard the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque while advocating for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue.