Türkiye, seven others condemn Israeli Al-Aqsa violations

The foreign ministers of Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan said in a joint statement that they condemned continued raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Israeli settlers operating under the protection of security forces, according to Anadolu Agency. They specifically condemned the unfurling of the Israeli flag within the mosque's courtyard, characterizing such acts as provocative violations of international law and United Nations resolutions governing the status of holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

The ministers criticized Israel's systematic efforts to alter the historical, legal and demographic character of East Jerusalem, asserting that such measures undermine the sanctity of both Muslim and Christian holy places. They reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to modify the existing status quo of Jerusalem and its holy sites, emphasizing the special custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in administering the compound.

Exclusive jurisdiction

The statement affirmed that the entire 144-dunum area of Al-Aqsa Mosque constitutes a place of worship reserved exclusively for Muslims. The ministers recognized the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department — operating under Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs — as the sole legal authority empowered to administer the mosque's affairs and regulate entry to the site.

They held Israeli authorities fully responsible for escalatory actions that violate the historical and legal status quo. The ministers warned that repeated provocations escalate tensions and fuel extremism across the region, calling for an immediate cessation of illegal Israeli practices and stressing that such actions constitute clear breaches of Israel's obligations under international law.

Palestinian statehood

The eight nations reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to self-determination. They expressed firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers also voiced support for diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli occupation and achieve a comprehensive peace settlement based on the two-state solution, international law and the Arab Peace Initiative. The Jerusalem Awqaf Department maintains exclusive administrative jurisdiction over the 144-dunum compound under the Hashemite custodianship recognized by international agreements.