ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan and seven leading Arab and Islamic countries have issued a unified, strong condemnation of the latest actions taken by Israel at the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The participating nations described the ongoing developments as a grave breach of international law, United Nations resolutions, and the established historical and legal status quo of the holy site.

According to a joint statement released by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the coalition denounced the recurring incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. These activities, reportedly led by extremist Israeli ministers and supported by Israeli security forces, include the raising of flags within the compound and the construction of police facilities, which the signatory nations view as deliberate provocations.

The eight countries asserted that these actions are both illegal and inflammatory. They warned that such conduct actively fosters religious extremism and heightens regional tensions, thereby undermining broader diplomatic efforts toward achieving a just and sustainable peace predicated on a two-state solution, a topic often discussed in contexts like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s regional engagements.

Violations of Religious Freedom

The ministers further condemned public rhetoric from extremist groups calling for increased incursions, alongside the systematic restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers attempting to access the Old City of Jerusalem. The statement categorized these discriminatory measures as a violation of international humanitarian law, arguing that they constitute an unlawful effort to alter the demographic and legal status of occupied East Jerusalem.

Reaffirming Sovereignty and Custodianship

The joint statement categorically reaffirmed that Israel possesses no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its respective Islamic and Christian holy sites. It explicitly rejected any maneuvers intended to change the historical, legal, or demographic character of the city. Furthermore, the ministers emphasized that the entire 144-dunam Al-Aqsa Mosque compound remains an exclusive place of worship for Muslims.

The signatory nations upheld the role of the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department—under the authority of Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs—as the sole, legally recognized entity responsible for managing the site and overseeing visitor access.

International Call to Action

The eight nations have formally called upon Israel, acting as the occupying power, to immediately cease all restrictions on the Old City and ensure unhindered entry for worshippers. Additionally, they urged the global community to adopt a resolute, unified stance to compel Israel to halt its violations and protect the integrity of the site, mirroring the diplomatic rigor often seen in regional cooperation initiatives.

The statement concluded by reiterating the collective commitment of the participating countries to safeguard Jerusalem’s sacred sites and support international initiatives dedicated to maintaining stability and preserving the internationally recognized status of the city.