Eight Muslim countries condemn Israeli actions in Jerusalem, reaffirm support for Palestinian State

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem, particularly interference in the historical and legal status of its holy sites.

The ministers denounced the intrusion of Israeli settlers and what they described as extremist ministers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, terming such actions unacceptable. They also condemned the hoisting of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s premises, calling it a deliberate provocation.

Reaffirming the sanctity of Jerusalem’s religious heritage, the statement stressed the need to preserve the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites. It underscored that the entire 144-dunam area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.

The ministers reiterated that the Jordanian Waqf Authority holds sole legal authority over the administration of the mosque.

The joint declaration also strongly criticised Israel’s approval of 30 new settlements, describing them as illegal under international law. It further condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians, including incidents involving schools and children in the West Bank.

Rejecting any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories, the ministers opposed all attempts to annex land or forcibly displace Palestinians. They warned that such actions undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Calling on the international community to act urgently, the statement urged global stakeholders to prevent what it termed ongoing illegal actions by Israel.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.