The Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
the State of Qatar, and the Arab Republic of Egypt strongly condemned the continued incursions
by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif compound, under the protection of Israeli forces.
They also condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque’s courtyards.
They affirmed that these actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Furthermore, they represent an infringement upon the historical and legal status quo in occupied East Jerusalem.
A firm rejection of raids and violations
The ministers condemned the ongoing systematic and illegal Israeli violations and measures.
These measures aim to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem
and undermine the sanctity and status of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
They emphasized that these practices constitute a dangerous escalation that threatens stability.
Confirmation of the historical and legal status
The statement emphasized the categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historical
and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, stressing the need to preserve it.
They affirmed the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship in managing the affairs of the holy sites.
The ministers affirmed that the entire area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif,
encompassing 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.
Furthermore, they emphasized that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department,
affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places,
is the sole legal authority empowered to manage its affairs and regulate access to it.
Warning of escalating tensions and support for Palestine
The statement warned that the continuation of these violations would exacerbate tensions and fuel instability
and extremism. It also undermined international efforts to achieve peace.
The statement called for an immediate halt to all illegal and provocative Israeli practices.
The ministers reiterated their solidarity with the Palestinian people and their support
for their legitimate national rights, foremost among them their right to self-determination.
They affirmed the Palestinians’ right to establish an independent Palestinian state
within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They also reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution based on international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
