Abu Dhabi, UAE – The foreign ministers of the UAE, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar strongly condemned the repeated violations of the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Foremost among these violations are the incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque
compound by settlers and extremist ministers under the protection of Israeli police.
Additionally, the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards was also condemned.
A firm rejection of changing the historical status of Jerusalem
The ministers affirmed that these practices constitute a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
They said these actions are a provocation of Muslim sentiments worldwide and a desecration of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
They also stressed their complete rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.
The statement reiterated the historical role of the Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem.
It further emphasized that the entire area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque,
encompassing 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.
Moreover, it affirmed that the Jerusalem Waqf Department,
affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, is the sole authority responsible for managing its affairs.
It is also the authority responsible for regulating access to it.
Condemnation of settlement activity and settler violence
The ministers also condemned illegal settlement activity, including the approval of more
than 30 new settlements. They considered this a violation of international law and Security Council resolutions.
They further condemned the escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank,
including attacks on civilians and children, and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
The statement stressed that these policies undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and fuel tensions in the region.
Therefore, it called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and compel Israel to cease its escalation.
It also urged the international community to work to support a political process leading to the establishment of
an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
