Egypt, Seven Muslim Nations Condemn Al-Aqsa Incursions and Israeli Flag Raising

Eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, have strongly condemned the continued incursions by Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of Israeli security forces, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyards.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar described the actions as a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The ministers stressed that these measures constitute an assault on the historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem and warned that such actions risk fuelling tensions and undermining prospects for peace.

The statement rejected any attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, while reaffirming support for the historic Hashemite custodianship over the city’s religious sanctuaries.

The ministers also emphasized that the entire 144-dunum area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusively Muslim place of worship and affirmed that the Jerusalem Waqf Department, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, remains the sole legal authority responsible for administering the mosque and regulating access to it.

The joint statement held Israeli authorities responsible for ending what it described as repeated violations and escalating actions at the holy site, warning that continued provocations could deepen instability, fuel extremism, and hinder international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace.

The ministers reiterated their full solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirmed support for their legitimate national rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also renewed support for the two-state solution and for ending the Israeli occupation in accordance with international law, United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.