Saudi Arabia and 7 Arab/Islamic Nations Denounce Israeli Violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have united to condemn the escalating Israeli provocations in Jerusalem. This strong statement underscores a unified Arab and Islamic stance against the repeated violations of the historical and legal status of holy sites, particularly the incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers under police protection.

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These provocative actions in Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Noble Sanctuary, constitute a flagrant breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and represent an unacceptable provocation to Muslims around the world, and a blatant violation of the sanctity of the Holy City.

This joint condemnation highlights the international community's growing concern over actions that are seen as flagrant breaches of international law and deeply offensive to Muslims worldwide. The ministers emphasized that these provocative acts not only violate the sanctity of Jerusalem but also undermine the possibility of a two-state solution by challenging the established status quo and fueling tensions.

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All illegal settlement activities, including Israel's decision to approve more than 30 new settlements, which is a blatant violation of international law, including UN Security Council resolutions and the 2024 ICJ Advisory Opinion, are condemned.

From the perspective of these nations, the unwavering support for the Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites and the assertion that Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims are paramount. The ministers also condemned the expansion of illegal settlements and the escalating violence by settlers in the West Bank, demanding accountability for those responsible. This reflects a deep-seated concern for Palestinian rights and the viability of an independent Palestinian state.

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These measures represent a direct and systematic assault on the viability of the Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution, as well as fueling tensions, undermining peace efforts, and hindering ongoing initiatives aimed at de-escalation and restoring stability.

The call for international action is a clear signal that these countries expect the global community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations. They are urging decisive steps to halt Israel's dangerous escalation and to work towards a comprehensive political solution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This unified front aims to pressure Israel and rally international support for peace.

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The entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Noble Sanctuary, which is 144 dunams, is a pure place of worship for Muslims alone, and the administration of the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, is the legal authority with exclusive jurisdiction over the affairs of the mosque and regulating entry to it.