Foreign ministers from eight Muslim countries have denounced Israeli settler incursions at Al-Aqsa Mosque as illegal and extremist acts, violating international law and the historic status quo. The condemnation follows a mass raid led by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The joint condemnation by eight Muslim nations highlights escalating tensions in Jerusalem and underscores the international community's concern over actions that could destabilize the region and impede peace efforts.
The foreign ministers of Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have denounced recent Israeli settler incursions at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque as "illegal and extremist acts." The condemnation follows a mass raid on the holy site by thousands of ultranationalist Israelis on Thursday, led by prominent ministers and lawmakers, including Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
In a joint statement posted by Qatar's foreign ministry, the ministers stressed that the storming of the holy sites constitutes a "flagrant violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historic and legal status quo at the holy sites in Occupied East Jerusalem." They condemned "illegal and extremist acts represented by incitement and calls to mobilise incursions, as well as acts of violence committed by Israeli ministers and extremist groups."
The officials warned that such acts "fuel hatred and extremism, and obstruct efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution," and urged the recognition of Jordan's historic custodianship of the Al-Aqsa complex. They also rejected Israel's claim over Occupied East Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, as well as its attempt to alter the area's "historical, legal, and demographic character."
Israeli forces reportedly barred many Palestinians from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque for pre-dawn prayers ahead of the raids. The mosque has been governed under a decades-long status quo, where non-Muslims may visit during designated hours but are not permitted to pray. Recent years have seen escalating settler raids, often conducted under military escort.
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