Pakistan, UAE and six Muslim states condemn Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Pakistan and seven other Arab and Muslim-majority nations condemned escalating Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Friday.

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE said in a joint statement that mass incursions by Israeli settlers threaten regional stability and undermine peace prospects.

What did the joint statement say about Al-Aqsa Mosque?

The joint statement condemned continued mass incursions by Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque under police protection, along with visits by hardline ministers, the raising of Israeli flags and the erection of police tents inside the compound. The ministers called these actions provocative violations of international law and Jerusalem's historical status quo.

Why do the countries say Israel is violating international law?

According to the statement, Israel's actions violate international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and the long-standing legal status quo governing Jerusalem's holy sites. The eight foreign ministers said they reject any attempt to alter this arrangement. They reiterated that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

What did the statement say about incitement and violence?

The ministers also condemned incitement, calls for further incursions and acts of violence attributed to extremist Israeli ministers and groups. They said such actions fuel hatred, encourage extremism and obstruct efforts toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The statement accused Israel of pursuing systematic measures to alter East Jerusalem's historical, legal and demographic character.

What access restrictions did the ministers criticize?

The statement expressed concern over restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Old City and its places of worship, calling the measures discriminatory, arbitrary and contrary to international humanitarian law. The ministers said these restrictions undermine the sanctity of religious sites in the city.

Who has custodianship over Al-Aqsa Mosque?

The ministers reaffirmed that the entire 144-dunam Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They also reaffirmed support for the Hashemite custodianship and recognized the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, as the sole legal authority over the site.

What are the countries demanding from Israel?

The ministers called on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Old City and ensure unhindered entry for Muslim worshippers to Al-Aqsa Mosque. They also urged Israel to cease actions that alter the site's historical and legal status. The statement further urged the international community to take a firm stance to compel Israel to halt what it called ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites.