Pakistan, 7 other Islamic countries condemn Israeli escalation at Al Aqsa Mosque

Jerusalem (Web Desk): Eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Pakistan, have strongly denounced what they described as Israel's escalating actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque (Al-Haram Al-Sharif), expressing concern over repeated incursions by Israeli settlers led by extremist ministers, the raising of the Israeli flag inside the mosque compound, and other actions they termed provocative.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia said these actions represent a clear violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the longstanding historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

The ministers also strongly condemned what they called illegal and extremist acts of incitement, organised calls encouraging incursions, and violence involving Israeli extremist ministers and groups.

As per the statement, such actions risk fuelling hatred and extremism while undermining efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

The foreign ministers reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

They also reaffirmed their firm opposition to any attempt to alter the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its sacred Islamic and Christian sites, stressing the need to preserve the existing arrangements while recognising the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship in safeguarding these holy places.

The group urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift restrictions on access to Jerusalem's Old City and avoid preventing Muslim worshippers from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The ministers further called on the international community to take a firm stance that would compel Israel to end what they described as ongoing violations and illegal practices targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as actions they said undermine the sanctity of these sacred places.