Türkiye, 8 nations reject Israeli attempts to alter status quo at Al-Aqsa

Regional Coalition Voices Concern Over Al-Aqsa

The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates released a joint statement that addresses ongoing incursions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. This coordinated response from eight nations reflects shared positions on maintaining established arrangements at the site, known also as Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

Details of the Reported Incursions

The statement condemns continued visits by extremist illegal Israeli settlers into the compound, carried out under the protection of Israeli forces. It further denounces the raising of Israeli flags inside the courtyards, describing these actions as provocative and unacceptable. Such measures are presented as violations of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and the longstanding historical and legal status quo at the holy site.

Broader Measures Affecting East Jerusalem

The ministers also criticize systematic Israeli measures that aim to alter the historical, legal and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem. These steps are said to undermine the status of its Islamic and Christian holy sites, with the statement reaffirming rejection of any attempts to change the status quo in the city.

Role of Jordanian Custodianship

The joint statement recognizes the special role of Jordan's Hashemite custodianship over the holy sites. It stresses that the entire 144-dunam Al-Aqsa Mosque compound remains an exclusive Muslim place of worship. Authority over administration and access arrangements rests solely with the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which operates under Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

Calls for Halting Violations and Supporting Peace

Israeli authorities are held responsible for stopping the described escalating violations. The ministers warn that repeated actions risk increasing tensions, fueling instability and extremism, and undermining international efforts to achieve peace. The statement calls for an immediate end to these practices while reaffirming support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, including an independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Alignment With International Frameworks

The ministers back efforts to end the Israeli occupation and reach a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. This position aligns with international law, relevant U.N. resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, underscoring the need to preserve existing arrangements at Al-Aqsa amid regional dynamics.