AMMAN — Jordan and seven other Arab and Islamic countries on Tuesday condemned the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its compounds.

 

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt stressed that these "provocative and unacceptable actions" constitute a "blatant violation" of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

The ministers also condemned the ongoing systematic and illegal measures implemented by the Israeli authorities, the occupying power, aimed at altering the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem, and desecrating and undermining the sanctity of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

 

Reaffirming their absolute rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian sanctuaries, the ministers emphasised the need to preserve this status quo, acknowledging the special role of the historic Hashemite Custodianship in this regard.

 

They reiterated that the entire area of the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, spanning 144 dunams, is a sole place of worship for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, is the exclusive legal authority managing all affairs of the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and regulating entry to it.

 

The ministers also warned that repeated Israeli violations exacerbate tensions, fuel instability and extremism, and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving peace, while also constituting a clear breach of Israel's obligations under international law.

 

They also called for an immediate cessation of all such illegal and provocative Israeli practices, reaffirming the necessity of respecting the historical and legal status quo in the entire Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

 

The foreign ministers also reiterated their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their steadfast support for the realisation of their legitimate and inalienable national rights, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

 

They also renewed their support for all efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.