Abu dhabi: The Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Trkiye, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Qatar have issued a joint statement condemning the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif under the protection of Israeli forces. The ministers also denounced the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque's courtyards.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ministers emphasized that these actions are a violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo at the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. They also condemned the ongoing efforts by Israel, identified as the occupying power, to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of East Jerusalem, which undermines the sanctity and status of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The joint statement reaffirmed the ministers' rejection of any attempts to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites. They highlighted the importance of preserving these sites while acknowledging the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship.
The ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al Haram Sharif, covering 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. They stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, holds exclusive jurisdiction over the administration and regulation of entry to the site.
Holding Israeli authorities accountable for escalating actions, the ministers warned that repeated Israeli violations heighten tensions, fuel instability, and undermine international peace efforts. They called for an immediate cessation of all illegal and provocative practices and emphasized the necessity of respecting the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
The ministers expressed their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, supporting their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also reaffirmed their commitment to efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.