Foreign ministers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkey have condemned the repeated violations of the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem by Israeli occupation authorities. The condemnation focused on the ongoing incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Noble Sanctuary, by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers under the protection of Israeli police, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.
The ministers asserted that these provocative actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian law, representing an unacceptable provocation to Muslims worldwide and a gross violation of the sanctity of the holy city.
Details of the Incident
The ministers reiterated their firm rejection of any attempts aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They stressed the necessity of maintaining this status, acknowledging the special role of the historical Hashemite guardianship in this context.
Furthermore, the ministers confirmed that the entire area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, which spans 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. They clarified that the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Administration, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the legal authority with exclusive jurisdiction over the mosque's affairs and the regulation of entry.
Context and Background
In recent years, Jerusalem has witnessed escalating tensions due to the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, provoking widespread reactions from Arab and Islamic countries. These incursions occur within a broader context of Israeli policies aimed at altering the status quo in the holy city, which contradicts international resolutions and humanitarian principles.
Jerusalem is a significant symbol for both Muslims and Christians, and any assault on its holy sites is considered an attack on their historical and religious rights. Recent events have shown that the situation in Jerusalem requires urgent international intervention to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Consequences and Impact
These Israeli actions represent a direct assault on the possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state, as they exacerbate tensions and undermine peace efforts. The ministers also condemned the illegal settlement activities, including Israel's decision to approve more than 30 new settlements, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.
Additionally, the ministers condemned the rising violence of settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including recent attacks on schools and Palestinian children, demanding accountability for those responsible. They emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian land, reiterating their absolute rejection of any attempts to annex it or displace the Palestinian people.
Impact on the Arab Region
These statements underscore the unity of the Arab and Islamic stance regarding the Palestinian issue, reflecting the concerns of Arab nations over the escalation of Israeli violations. They also highlight the urgent need to unify regional and international efforts to support the rights of the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the ministers called on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities, compelling Israel to halt its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank and put an end to its illegal practices. They reaffirmed their steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.