Eight Nations Condemn Israeli Minister Ben Gvir’s Incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque</TITLE]

Eight Nations Condemn Israeli Minister Ben Gvir’s Incursion into Al-Aqsa MosqueFollowing a visit by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who led hundreds of Jewish worshippers into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, Pakistan and seven other nations issued a joint statement on Friday condemning the “provocative actions.”

The joint statement, released by the Foreign Office, included the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The ministers strongly condemned the escalation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, specifically citing the ongoing incursions by extremist Israeli ministers under the protection of Israeli security forces. They also protested the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards, the installation of tents by Israeli police, and other inflammatory incidents.

Access to the site is governed by a long-standing “status quo” agreement between Israel and Jordan, the latter of which administers the site through a religious foundation. Under this arrangement, while Jews are permitted to visit, they are not allowed to pray there, ensuring uninterrupted Muslim worship.

“These provocative and unacceptable actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem,” the joint statement declared.

The ministers also condemned the illegal and extremist calls for incitement and mobilization by certain Israeli ministers and groups, warning that such actions fuel hatred and obstruct efforts toward a just and lasting two-state peace solution.

The statement further noted that restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and various places of worship, alongside “discriminatory and arbitrary access restrictions,” violate international humanitarian law and represent an unlawful attempt to alter the established historical and legal status quo.

The ministers emphasized that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Furthermore, the ministers condemned Israel’s systematic measures intended to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem and undermine the sanctity of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The nations reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any attempts to change the status quo in Jerusalem, while recognizing the significant role of the Hashemite custodianship.

“The ministers reiterate that the entire 144-dunam area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department—affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs—holds the legal authority to administer the mosque and regulate entry,” the statement noted.

The ministers urged Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately end access restrictions in the Old City and stop obstructing Muslim worshippers from accessing the mosque.

They also called on the international community to adopt a firm stance that compels Israel to halt its ongoing violations and illegal practices against the sanctity of these Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Ben Gvir’s recent incursion occurred during Tisha B’Av, the Jewish fast commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, which was observed from Wednesday night through Thursday this year.

Footage showed Ben Gvir and hundreds of worshippers at the Al-Aqsa compound, including Jewish settlers who arrived in the early morning hours to enter the site and perform prayers.

Since assuming office, Ben Gvir has visited the site more than a dozen times and has previously utilized Tisha B’av gatherings to advocate for more aggressive measures against Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

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