The foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. The statement, released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was endorsed by Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
What did the eight Arab-Islamic nations condemn over Al-Aqsa Mosque?
The eight nations condemned Israeli settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the raising of Israeli flags within its courtyards, and systematic measures to alter Jerusalem's legal and demographic character. They described these actions as violations of international law, UN resolutions, and the historical status quo governing the holy site.
What specific actions did the joint statement call out?
The ministers denounced settler entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound under Israeli police protection. They also condemned the raising of Israeli flags within the courtyards, calling both actions provocative and unacceptable. The statement further criticized what it described as Israel's ongoing efforts to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem.
The ministers warned that repeated violations risk increasing regional tensions, fueling instability and extremism, and undermining international peace efforts. They called for an immediate halt to all illegal and provocative practices. Full respect for the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif was also demanded.
What is Jordan's role in overseeing Al-Aqsa Mosque?
The statement recognized Jordan's Hashemite custodianship as the established authority over the holy sites. The ministers confirmed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole body responsible for administering the site and regulating access. The eight nations reaffirmed their support for preserving this arrangement.
The ministers also reaffirmed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, covering 144 dunams, is an Islamic place of worship. They rejected any attempt to change the status quo in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities were held responsible for preventing further escalatory actions at the site.
Do the eight nations support Palestinian statehood?
The eight countries reaffirmed solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. They expressed support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The ministers backed a two-state solution in line with international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
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