Foreign ministers from several Muslim majority countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates have jointly condemned recent developments in Jerusalem, expressing concern over actions affecting the status of religious sites.
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In a joint statement, the countries criticised what they described as interference in the historical and legal status of holy places in Jerusalem, particularly at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The statement termed the reported entry of Israeli settlers and certain officials into the mosque’s premises as unacceptable and provocative.
The foreign ministers of UAE, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar Condemn Settlers’ Incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque pic.twitter.com/77WcZm43TQ
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) April 23, 2026
The ministers also condemned the raising of Israeli flags within the compound, calling it an act that could escalate tensions. They stressed that the entire 144-dunum area of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and reaffirmed that administrative authority rests solely with Jordan’s Waqf authority.
Additionally, the joint statement denounced Israel’s approval of new settlement units and criticised reported incidents of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including attacks affecting civilians and educational institutions.
The signatory countries reiterated that they do not recognise Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories and rejected any attempts to annex land or displace Palestinian communities. They warned that such actions undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
The statement called on the international community to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation and ensure respect for international law. It also reaffirmed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
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The development reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding the status of Jerusalem and broader regional dynamics.