Eight Nations Denounce Al-Aqsa Incursion, Cite Threat to Peace Efforts
Eight nations from the Arab and Muslim world have strongly criticized the recent entry of thousands of Israeli settlers and far-right groups into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. In a joint statement, these countries warned that such actions escalate tensions and obstruct the path towards a peaceful resolution in the region.
The foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates jointly condemned the large-scale entries by settlers. They noted that these actions, often led by extremist Israeli ministers, occurred under the protection of Israeli police forces.
The diplomats underscored that the incursion into Islam’s third-holiest site was a provocative act. They stated that these actions not only fuel extremism but also hinder efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. The statement described the escalation as an unlawful attempt to change the long-standing historical and legal status of the holy sites in Jerusalem. It further asserted that Israel has no legal claim over East Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian sacred places.
More than 4,200 Israeli settlers and members of far-right groups entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday. This was one of the largest such events this year, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was also present, protected by police.
Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces placed strict controls at the mosque’s gates. Many Palestinian worshippers and students were prevented from entering, and several individuals were reportedly assaulted.
Israel took control of East Jerusalem in 1967 and officially annexed it in 1980. In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, is against international law. Under current arrangements, the Jerusalem Waqf, a body appointed by Jordan, manages the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The joint statement urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately remove the restrictions imposed on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It also called on the global community to take a firm stand, compelling Israel to stop its ongoing violations and illegal practices against the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and to respect their sanctity.
