Eight Nations Condemn Israeli Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound

On Tuesday, June 02, 2026, foreign ministers from eight nations, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, issued a joint statement. The ministers collectively condemned continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, which occurred under the protection of Israeli forces. These incursions have been a recurring point of contention. The statement also specifically denounced the provocative act of raising Israeli flags within the courtyards of the holy site. The foreign ministers described these actions as provocative and unacceptable, noting their potential to ignite further unrest.

Violations and Legal Standing

The ministers stated unequivocally that the actions constituted a flagrant violation of international law. They further asserted that these actions directly contravened relevant United Nations resolutions and disregarded the established historical and legal status quo governing holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. The joint statement condemned Israel's continued and systematic measures, asserting they aimed to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem. Such measures, the ministers noted, have broad implications for regional stability. These actions were also condemned for undermining the sanctity and status of both Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, creating an environment of religious tension. The ministers reiterated their categorical rejection of any attempts to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining existing arrangements. They reaffirmed the need to fully respect the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, showing its significance to millions worldwide. The statement stressed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif area, covering 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. This declaration reinforces the religious rights of the Muslim community. The Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the internationally recognized legal authority responsible for administering the mosque compound and regulating entry to the site, a role the ministers emphasized must be respected.

Calls for Action and Responsibility

The foreign ministers held Israeli authorities directly responsible for halting what they described as escalatory actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. They called for the immediate cessation of all practices they described as illegal and provocative, urging a return to calm and adherence to international norms. The ministers warned that repeated violations risk increasing tensions, fueling instability and extremism across the region, and undermining international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. They emphasized the key need to preserve the existing arrangements governing the holy sites, which are vital for maintaining religious harmony. The joint statement reiterated the importance of respecting the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, asserting that the entire 144-dunam area is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims. This assertion shows the religious significance and established rights concerning the site.

Broader Political Stance

The foreign ministers reaffirmed their recognition of the special role played by the Hashemite custodianship in safeguarding the religious sites in Jerusalem, acknowledging its historical and ongoing importance. They also expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, supporting their legitimate national rights to self-determination and dignity. The ministers further reiterated their steadfast support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital. This position aligns with long-standing international resolutions. The joint statement concluded by reaffirming support for all efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just, lasting, and full peace, consistent with the internationally recognized two-state solution framework.