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Pakistan, Arab and Muslim states condemn violations at Al-Aqsa and West Bank escalation

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning what they described as repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The ministers strongly denounced actions by Israeli authorities and settlers at Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif, including incursions under police protection and the raising of flags inside the compound. They said such actions constitute a “flagrant violation of international law” and an “unacceptable provocation” to Muslims worldwide.

The statement reaffirmed rejection of any attempts to alter the status quo in Jerusalem, stressing recognition of the special role of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites. It emphasized that the entire Al-Aqsa compound is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims, administered by Jordan’s Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Affairs Department.

The ministers also condemned expanding Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, including approval of more than 30 new settlements, calling it a violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions, as well as the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

They further denounced settler violence against Palestinians, including reported attacks on schools and children, and demanded accountability for those responsible.

The statement warned that such developments undermine prospects for a two-state solution and increase regional tensions. It called on the international community to take “clear and decisive steps” to halt violations and revive political efforts toward a negotiated settlement.

The ministers reiterated their support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.