AMMAN — Jordan, Arab and Islamic countries on Thursday condemned the repeated violations of the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites by Israeli occupation authorities.

 

The foreign ministers of Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt denounced the continued incursions by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers into Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif under the protection of Israeli police, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

They stressed that these provocative actions constitute a "flagrant violation" of international law and international humanitarian law, and an unacceptable provocation to Muslims worldwide, as well as an affront to the sanctity of the Holy City.

 

The ministers reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, stressing the need to preserve this status.

 

They also underscored in this regard the special role of the Hashemite Custodianship, the statement said.

 

The ministers also reiterated that the entire area of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, encompassing 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.

 

They also emphasised that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the sole legal authority responsible for administering the affairs of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and regulating entry to it.

 

The ministers also strongly denounced the accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel’s approval of more than 30 new settlement units, in clear violation of international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

 

They also condemned the ongoing and escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including recent attacks targeting Palestinian schools and children, calling for accountability for those responsible.

 

The ministers emphasised that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically rejected any attempts to annex it or displace the Palestinian people.

 

They warned that such actions constitute a direct threat to the viability of an independent Palestinian state and to the implementation of the two-State solution, while fuelling tensions, undermining peace efforts, and obstructing ongoing de-escalation initiatives.

 

The ministers reiterated their call on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities and to compel Israel to stop its escalation in the occupied West Bank and end its illegal practices.

 

They also urged intensified regional and international efforts to advance a political solution leading to a comprehensive and just peace based on the two-State solution.

 

The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and to establish an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.