Eight Arab and Muslim-majority nations have come together to express strong disapproval regarding the recent events surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. In a coordinated statement released on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates condemned the actions of far-right groups and thousands of Israeli settlers, who stormed this sacred site.
The statement emphasizes that these incursions, which occurred under heavy Israeli police protection, are damaging not only to the sanctity of the mosque but also to the broader quest for peace in the region. It highlights that such provocative actions fuel tensions and exacerbate extremism, thus hindering efforts to advance a just and lasting resolution based on the two-state solution.
The statement further asserted that Israel lacks sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. It noted that more than 4,200 settlers and members of far-right factions participated in this recent incursion, marking one of the most significant actions of its kind this year, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av. Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also entered the mosque compound, adding further tension to the atmosphere.
Reports from Palestinian officials indicate that the Israeli forces imposed strict limitations on access to the mosque, prohibiting large numbers of Palestinian worshippers and students from entering, and committing acts of violence against several individuals. The complex dynamics in Jerusalem have a long history, as Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and formally annexed it in 1980. In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, managed under the status quo by the Jordanian-appointed Jerusalem Waqf, continues to be a focal point of religious significance for millions of Muslims worldwide. The recent events coincide with the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of two ancient temples, recognized in Jewish tradition as having once stood at what Muslims revere as Al-Aqsa.
In their joint statement, the foreign ministers condemned acts of violence and incitement by extremist groups and urged Israel to immediately lift the restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa. They also called upon the international community to take a resolute stance to ensure that Israel respects the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
This situation underscores the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in addressing longstanding tensions in the region.
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