Islamabad, June 2, 2026: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and seven Arab-Islamic countries have strongly condemned what they described as continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of Israeli forces, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and violate international law.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates denounced the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of the holy site and described the actions as provocative and unacceptable.
The ministers stated that such measures constitute a violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.
The joint statement also condemned what it called continued and systematic Israeli measures aimed at altering the historical, legal and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem and undermining the sanctity of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The ministers reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to change the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its sacred sites, stressing the importance of preserving the existing arrangements.
They also reaffirmed recognition of the special role of the Hashemite custodianship in safeguarding the holy places in Jerusalem.
The foreign ministers emphasized that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is an exclusively Muslim place of worship.
They further stated that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the site and regulating entry to the compound.
The ministers held Israeli authorities responsible for preventing further escalatory actions and warned that repeated violations could increase tensions, fuel instability and extremism, and undermine international efforts to achieve peace.
They called for the immediate cessation of what they termed illegal and provocative practices and stressed the need to fully respect the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The eight countries reaffirmed their solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated support for their right to self-determination and statehood.
The ministers renewed their backing for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They also reaffirmed support for efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace through the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
