Foreign ministers from Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have issued a joint statement rejecting any efforts to change the historic and legal status of Jerusalem and its religious sites.
The statement was released after a meeting involving Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The ministers expressed serious concern over recent developments at key religious locations.
They strongly criticized what they described as repeated violations at these sites by Israel authorities. The statement mentioned ongoing visits and actions by Israeli settlers and certain officials at Al Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al Haram Al Sharif. According to the ministers, these activities have taken place under police protection.
The joint statement also referred to reports of the Israeli flag being raised inside the mosque’s courtyards, calling such actions provocative and disrespectful. The ministers said these developments go against international law and international humanitarian principles.
They warned that such actions could increase tensions and are unacceptable for Muslims around the world. The statement emphasized the need to respect the historical and legal status of religious sites and to avoid any steps that could lead to further conflict.
The ministers urged the international community to take notice of the situation and play a role in ensuring that religious places are protected. They also called for efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region through dialogue and respect for international agreements.
