Eight Muslim nations condemn Israeli Al-Aqsa actions

A coalition of eight Muslim-majority nations has issued a forceful joint condemnation of recent Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan denounced what they termed the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the holy site under the protection of Israeli forces, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.

The statement, released on Tuesday, described these actions as provocative, unacceptable, and a flagrant violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. The ministers asserted that the measures undermine the historical and legal status quo governing the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. They further condemned what they view as systematic Israeli violations aimed at altering the historical, legal, and demographic character of the city and undermining the sanctity of its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The coalition specifically reaffirmed the exclusive Muslim character of worship at the entire 144-dunam Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al-Sharif. It...