Eight Muslim Nations Condemn Israeli Settler Incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Saudi Arabia, alongside seven other Muslim nations, has strongly condemned the ongoing incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These settlers, protected by Israeli soldiers, have also been observed flying Israeli flags within the mosque’s courtyard.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey reaffirmed that such provocative and unacceptable actions constitute a clear violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the established historical and legal status of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

The foreign ministers also condemned the systematic violations and actions carried out by Israel as an occupying power, which aim to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem. They noted that settlers are also desecrating the sanctity and status of both Islamic and Christian holy sites within the city.

Furthermore, the ministers reaffirmed their firm rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They emphasised the importance of maintaining this status, while acknowledging the special role of Hashemite historical oversight in this matter.

The foreign ministers also reiterated that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, spanning 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively reserved for Muslims. Additionally, they asserted that the Jerusalem Waqf Department and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the sole legal authority with exclusive jurisdiction to manage the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and regulate access to the area.