Muslim nations condemn Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa
Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan on Thursday condemned what they described as Israeli violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, urging the international community to take a firm stance against measures they said undermine the site's historical and legal status.
Joint statement warns of rising tensions
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight Muslim countries said repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by far-right Israeli ministers and illegal settlers, under the protection of Israeli security forces, were escalating tensions and threatening regional stability.
The ministers also condemned the raising of the Israeli flag inside the compound, the installation of two tents by Israeli police and other actions they described as provocative, saying they violate international law, relevant UN resolutions and the historical and legal status quo in occupied East Jerusalem.
They warned that continued provocations undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Ministers reject changes to Jerusalem's status
The statement also condemned what it described as incitement, calls for raids and acts of violence by Israeli extremist ministers and groups, saying such actions fuel hatred and extremism.
The ministers criticized restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Old City and its holy sites, arguing that measures affecting Muslim and Christian worshippers violate international humanitarian law and constitute attempts to alter the city's historical and legal character.
They reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem or its Muslim and Christian holy sites and rejected any attempt to change the city's historical, legal or demographic status.
The ministers also underscored the role of the Hashemite Custodianship in protecting Jerusalem's holy sites.
Call for international action
The statement reiterated that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is an Islamic place of worship exclusively for Muslims and said the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Affairs Department, operating under Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the site and regulating access.
The ministers called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Old City and allow Muslim worshippers to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque without impediment.
They also urged the international community to pressure Israel to end what they described as violations against Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and to respect their historical and legal status.
Source:DailySabah
