Eight Muslim nations condemn Al-Aqsa incursion

Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned the large-scale entry of Israeli settlers

Eight Arab and Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned the large-scale entry of Israeli settlers and far-right political figures into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, describing the incident as a serious provocation that threatens regional stability and religious harmony.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the incident. They said the entry of thousands of Israeli settlers into the mosque compound, accompanied by far-right Israeli ministers and protected by Israeli security forces, violated the longstanding historical and legal status of the holy site.

The ministers warned that such actions could inflame tensions, encourage extremism and undermine international efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. They stressed that the current status of Jerusalem’s religious sites must be respected and preserved.

According to Palestinian officials, more than 4,200 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound during the Jewish religious observance of Tisha B’Av, making it one of the largest such incursions this year. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also visited the site under heavy police protection.

Palestinian authorities said Israeli security forces imposed strict restrictions on access to the mosque, preventing many Palestinian worshippers and students from entering the compound. They also alleged that several people were assaulted during the operation.

The eight countries called on Israel to immediately remove restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and respect the existing arrangements governing the site. They reaffirmed that the Islamic and Christian holy places in Jerusalem must be protected and that any unilateral measures altering their status are unacceptable.

The joint statement also urged the international community to take a firm position against actions that violate the sanctity of religious sites and to press for an end to measures that could further escalate tensions in the occupied city.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites and is administered by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf under a long-standing arrangement. The compound remains one of the most sensitive religious and political flashpoints in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with repeated incidents at the site often triggering wider regional tensions.