Egypt, 7 nations condemn Israeli violations at Jerusalem Holy sites

CAIRO - 24 April 2026: In a powerful unified diplomatic stance, the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar issued a joint statement strongly condemning the persistent Israeli violations of the historical and legal status quo at Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian sanctities.

The ministers specifically denounced the continuous incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers under police protection, as well as the provocative raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.

The joint statement described these actions as "flagrant breaches of international and humanitarian law" and "unacceptable provocations" that wound the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

The ministers reaffirmed that the entire 144-dunum area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. They emphasized that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department—under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf—is the sole legal authority empowered to manage the site’s affairs and regulate entry. The statement also acknowledged the historic role of the Hashemite Custodianship in protecting these sanctities.

The communiqué went further to condemn Israel’s illegal settlement activities, particularly the recent approval of over 30 new settlements. The ministers highlighted that such moves violate UN Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

Key points addressed in the joint condemnation included:

- Settler Violence: A sharp condemnation of escalating attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including recent assaults on schools and children.

- Non-Sovereignty: A firm declaration that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories and a total rejection of any attempts at annexation or forced displacement.

- The Two-State Solution: A warning that these systematic assaults undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and sabotage ongoing regional efforts to restore stability.

The eight nations concluded by urging the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities. They called for decisive steps to end Israeli escalation in the West Bank and to compel the occupying power to halt its illegal practices.

The ministers reiterated their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.