Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkiye have strongly condemned the storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday. The incident, which occurred under the protection of Israeli police, involved settlers raising Israeli flags on the steps leading to the Dome of the Rock, chanting, and singing the Israeli national anthem. They entered the compound through Al-Maghrabah Gate, which is under Israeli control.
Rejection of Alterations to Jerusalem's Character
The ministers expressed their firm rejection of any attempts to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem. They also condemned actions that threaten the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The statement emphasized that such provocations undermine peace efforts and violate international law.
Background on Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered as Islam's third-holiest site, has been a flashpoint for tensions since East Jerusalem was occupied in June 1967. The compound has witnessed frequent clashes, including raids by settlers and restrictions on Muslim worshippers. The site is administered by Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf, which holds the legal authority to manage access and maintain the compound's status quo.
Israeli settlers, who refer to the area as the Temple Mount, have been seeking to establish a presence for performing Jewish prayers at certain times. Several senior Israeli lawmakers, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have publicly endorsed these plans, further escalating tensions. The international community has repeatedly called for respect of the historical and religious status quo at the site.
