Joint Statement Condemns Israeli Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Indonesia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli escalation at Al Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif. The joint statement specifically criticized the continued mass incursions by Israeli settlers, led by extremist Israeli ministers, into Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif under the protection of Israeli forces. It also denounced the raising of the Israeli flag inside the mosque’s courtyards, the erection of two tents by Israeli police, and other actions described as provocative and inflammatory.
Ministers Say Actions Violate International Law
The Foreign Ministers stressed that these actions represent a clear violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.
They also strongly condemned what they described as illegal and extremist acts of incitement, calls encouraging incursions, and violence carried out by extremist Israeli ministers and groups.
According to the statement, such actions fuel hatred and extremism while undermining efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
Concerns Raised Over Restrictions in Occupied Jerusalem
The Ministers said that restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship, along with discriminatory and arbitrary limitations imposed on worshippers, violate international law, including international humanitarian law. They described these measures as attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in the occupied city.
The joint statement further emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The Foreign Ministers also condemned what they called Israel’s continued and systematic measures aimed at changing the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem while undermining the sanctity and status of its Islamic and Christian holy places.
Reaffirmation of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s Historical and Legal Status
The Ministers reaffirmed their complete rejection of any attempt to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They also reiterated support for preserving the current arrangements while recognizing the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship.
The statement emphasized that the entire 144-dunam area of Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Al Sharif is exclusively a Muslim place of worship. It further stated that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, operating under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the only legal authority responsible for administering the mosque and regulating access to the holy site.
Ministers Urge Immediate International Action
The Foreign Ministers called on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately remove restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and ensure that Muslim worshippers can freely enter Al-Aqsa Mosque.
They also urged the international community to adopt a firm position that compels Israel to end its ongoing violations and illegal practices against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem while protecting the sanctity and historical status of these sacred places.