ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and seven other Arab and Muslim countries have strongly condemned what they described as provocative actions by Israeli ministers and settlers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
In a joint statement, Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed concern over recent developments at the holy site, including the reported raising of an Israeli flag within the mosque compound.
The statement alleged that extremist Israeli ministers entered the Al-Aqsa compound under the protection of Israeli security forces and described the actions as provocative. It also criticized reports that Israeli police erected two tents inside the mosque courtyard and carried out other measures at the site.
The eight countries called for the immediate removal of restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its religious sites. They urged Israel to ensure that Muslim worshippers can freely access Al-Aqsa Mosque without obstruction.
The joint statement further rejected what it described as attempts to alter the historical, legal and demographic status of Occupied East Jerusalem. It reaffirmed the long-standing position that the entire 144-dunum Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a place of worship for Muslims.
The countries also reiterated that the Jordanian Waqf Department remains the recognized authority responsible for administering the mosque and its compound.
Calling on the international community to act, the statement urged governments and international organizations to prevent what it described as unlawful measures affecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
