Riyadh: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have jointly condemned the continued violations by Israeli occupation authorities at Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites. They specifically criticized the incursions by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers into Al-Aqsa Mosque, facilitated by Israeli police, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministers emphasized that these actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque are violations of international law and international humanitarian law. They are seen as provocations to Muslims globally and a breach of the sanctity of the holy city. The ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any changes to the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its religious sites, highlighting the Hashemite custodianship's role in this context. They stressed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque area is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, under the administration of the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
The ministers also condemned Israel's approval of over 30 new settlements, which they assert violate international law, including UN Security Council resolutions and the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion. They criticized ongoing settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, including attacks on schools and children, and demanded accountability for these actions. The ministers reiterated that Israel holds no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory and rejected any attempts to annex it or displace its people.
They warned that such actions threaten the viability of a Palestinian State and the two-State solution, heightening tensions and undermining peace efforts. The ministers called on Israel to take responsibility, condemn these acts, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The ministers urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by compelling Israel to cease its escalation in the West Bank and end illegal practices. They called for intensified efforts to achieve a political solution that ensures a comprehensive peace based on the two-State solution, supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.