Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, labeling the act an unlawful attempt to alter the historical and legal status quo
and urging Israel to lift restrictions on access to the site.
The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers and far-right groups on Thursday drew sharp rebukes from eight Arab and Muslim-majority nations, which issued a joint statement condemning the mass incursions
as provocative actions that threaten regional stability. The declaration, signed by Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, described the violence as part of a broader effort to alter the historical and legal status quo
in Jerusalem, a city sacred to both Muslims and Jews.
Joint Statement Condemns Violent Incursions
The joint statement explicitly criticized the illegal and extremist acts
committed by Israeli ministers and far-right groups, including the participation of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in the incursion. Over 4,200 settlers and extremists entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection, according to the aljazeera.com report. The statement called on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift the restrictions
imposed on access to the site and to cease its ongoing violations and illegal practices against the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The diplomats emphasized that the incursions occurred during Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of mourning, which has historically drawn tensions at the site. The statement noted that Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, declared illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2024, has long been a flashpoint. The Jerusalem Waqf, a Jordanian-appointed body, manages the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the status quo, but Israeli forces reportedly barred large numbers of Palestinian worshippers from entering the site during the incident.
Summit in Riyadh Highlights Regional Unity
While the aljazeera.com report focused on the immediate condemnation, the NPR.org transcript revealed broader regional dynamics. A summit in Riyadh brought together 50 Arab and Muslim-majority nations to address Israeli aggression in Gaza, with leaders calling for a cease-fire, aid delivery, and UN Security Council action. Saudi Arabia, a key player, has been navigating a delicate balancing act between its historical ties to Iran and its recent diplomatic overtures to Israel.
International Community Urged to Act
The joint statement from the eight nations urged the international community to take a firm stance
against Israel’s actions, echoing calls from the United Nations Security Council. The document emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites,
a claim that aligns with longstanding Palestinian and Arab diplomatic positions. The text also criticized the provocative actions
of Israeli officials and far-right groups, which it linked to broader efforts to fuel hatred and extremism.
The coming weeks will test the resolve of Arab and Muslim nations to translate their condemnations into concrete action. The United Nations Security Council is expected to revisit the issue, but past efforts have been stymied by U.S. and Israeli opposition. Meanwhile, the role of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey will be critical in shaping the next phase of diplomatic engagement. For now, the focus remains on preventing further escalations at Al-Aqsa, where tensions continue to simmer.
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