Arab and Muslim countries condemn Israeli storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

A coalition of eight nations issued a coordinated diplomatic statement Thursday expressing strong opposition to recent events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The group—comprising Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates—objected to mass entries by Israeli settlers and far-right groups into the religious site, which occurred under Israeli police protection.

The joint statement characterized the incursions as provocative actions that generate animosity and extremism while undermining prospects for a negotiated two-state resolution. Officials emphasized that the entries constitute an illegal effort to modify the established historical and legal framework governing Jerusalem's sacred locations. The statement further asserted that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Thursday's incursion, marking the Jewish observance of Tisha B'Av, involved more than 4,200 Israeli settlers and far-right group members, representing one of the year's largest such events. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir participated under heavy security. Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli forces implemented restrictive measures at mosque entrances, prevented numerous Palestinian worshippers and students from accessing the site, and engaged in physical confrontations with individuals.

The signatories called upon Israel to immediately remove access restrictions at the mosque and urged the international community to adopt firm measures requiring Israel to cease violations against the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The statement condemned what it described as illegal and extremist conduct, including incitement and organized mobilization efforts by Israeli officials and extremist organizations.