Seven Nations Condemn Israel’s Incursions into Al-Aqsa and Christian Holy Sites

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have issued a joint statement condemning Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and other holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. The ministers expressed strong disapproval of the incursions by Israeli settlers into the mosque, which occur under the protection of Israeli forces, and the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. These actions, they stated, are provocative and unacceptable, violating international law and the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites.

In their statement, the ministers emphasized that Israel’s continued and systematic violations of the occupied territory aim to alter its historical, legal, and demographic character. This, they argued, undermines the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites and threatens the status quo that has been upheld for decades. The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any attempts to change this status, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of these sacred places.

The joint statement also stressed the role of the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, as the legal entity responsible for administering the mosque and regulating access. The ministers called on Israeli authorities to halt these escalatory actions, warning that repeated violations exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts. They urged an immediate cessation of all illegal and provocative practices at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The ministers reiterated their solidarity with the Palestinian people and their support for the realization of Palestinian national rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also reaffirmed their commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-State solution.

The statement underscores the international community’s concern over the preservation of religious sites and the maintenance of the status quo in Jerusalem. It reflects a collective call for accountability and adherence to international law, while emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region.

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