Arab Islamic Statement Condemns Ongoing Israeli Settler Intrusions at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have issued a strong condemnation of the continued intrusions by Israeli extremist settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, which are carried out under the protection of Israeli forces. They also denounced the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s premises.

The ministers emphasized that these provocative and unacceptable actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and the existing historical and legal status of holy sites in East Jerusalem.

They condemned the ongoing illegal violations and systematic actions executed by Israeli authorities, which aim to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem, as well as to desecrate and undermine the sanctity and status of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The ministers reiterated their firm rejection of any attempts to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its religious sites. They stressed the necessity of preserving this status quo while acknowledging the special role of Jordan’s historical custodianship in this regard. Additionally, they reaffirmed that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque (the Noble Sanctuary), covering 144 dunams, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. The Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs holds exclusive legal authority over all matters related to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The ministers held Israeli authorities responsible for halting these escalatory actions and warned that repeated Israeli violations exacerbate tensions, fuel instability and extremism, and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving peace. They also highlighted that these actions represent a clear breach of Israel’s obligations under international law. They called for an immediate cessation of all illegal and provocative Israeli practices while reiterating the need to respect the existing historical and legal status at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Furthermore, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their steadfast support for achieving their legitimate national rights. This includes their right to self-determination and establishing an independent sovereign Palestinian state along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They renewed their support for all efforts aimed at ending Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting peace based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions as well as the Arab Peace Initiative.