Arab, Islamic Foreign Ministers Condemn Israeli Violations in Jerusalem

From Asharq Al-Awsat, we report on the strong condemnation issued by the foreign ministers of several Arab and Muslim countries regarding the escalating Israeli violations in Jerusalem. The ministers unequivocally denounced the repeated incursions by settlers and extremist Israeli officials into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, carried out under the protection of Israeli police. The provocative act of raising the Israeli flag within the mosque's courtyards was particularly highlighted as an unacceptable affront to Muslims worldwide and a flagrant violation of international law and the sanctity of the holy city.

“

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye reiterated that these provocative actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and represent an unacceptable provocation to Muslims around the world, and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the holy city.

Our reporting emphasizes the unified stance of nations including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye. They reaffirmed their absolute rejection of any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its sacred sites. The ministers underscored the critical importance of preserving these sites, recognizing the unique role of the Hashemite custodianship in this regard. They stressed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque area is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims, with the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department holding sole jurisdiction.

“

They reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and stressed its preservation while recognizing the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship in this regard.

Furthermore, the ministers voiced grave concern over Israel's accelerating illegal settlement activities, including the approval of over 30 new settlements, which they deemed a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international legal opinions. The escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including attacks on schools and children, was also condemned, with a call for accountability. This collective condemnation from the heart of the Arab and Islamic world underscores the deep-seated concern over actions that threaten the viability of a Palestinian state and undermine peace efforts. It is a perspective often missed in Western media, which may focus on security concerns, while we highlight the profound religious and historical significance of these sites and the broader implications for regional stability and justice.

“

The ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which amounts to 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction to administer the affairs of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and to regulate entry thereto.