Qatar and Arab Nations Condemn Israeli Actions at Al Aqsa Mosque

Doha, Qatar Jul 24, 2026 ALN: The recent condemnation by the Foreign Ministers of several Arab nations, including Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions surrounding Al Aqsa Mosque, a site of profound religious and historical importance. This condemnation comes in the context of escalating Israeli actions at the mosque, which is also known as Al Haram Al Sharif. The mosque is located in East Jerusalem, a territory that has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Foreign Ministers expressed their collective outrage over what they described as the Israeli escalation at Al Aqsa Mosque. Their statement highlighted several specific actions that they deemed provocative, including the mass incursions by Israeli settlers, which have been reportedly led by extremist Israeli ministers. These incursions have taken place under the protection of Israeli forces, leading to heightened tensions in an already volatile situation. The raising of the Israeli flag within the mosque's courtyards and the erection of tents by Israeli police have also been cited as inflammatory acts that exacerbate the situation.

Al Aqsa Mosque holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, as it is considered the third holiest site in Islam. It is situated in a complex that also includes the Dome of the Rock, an iconic symbol of Jerusalem. The site is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. For many Palestinians and Muslims, actions perceived as encroachments on this site are seen as direct challenges to their religious rights and sovereignty over the area.

The Ministers' statement further emphasized that these actions represent a flagrant violation of international law, including relevant United Nations resolutions that aim to protect the status of holy sites in occupied territories. The condemnation also points to a broader concern regarding the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, which has been a contentious issue in peace negotiations. The historical status quo refers to the arrangements and understandings that have governed access and control over religious sites in Jerusalem, particularly since the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel occupied East Jerusalem.

In their statement, the Foreign Ministers warned that such provocative actions not only fuel hatred and extremism but also obstruct the pursuit of a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. The two-state solution has long been considered the most viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, envisioning an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel. However, ongoing tensions and violence, particularly regarding access to holy sites, complicate efforts to achieve this goal.

The Ministers further condemned the restrictions imposed on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship. They described these restrictions as discriminatory and arbitrary, constituting violations of international humanitarian law. Such measures have been criticized for disproportionately affecting Palestinian worshippers and limiting their ability to access religious sites, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

In their condemnation, the Foreign Ministers asserted that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, including its Islamic and Christian holy sites. This assertion is rooted in international law, which views East Jerusalem as occupied territory following the 1967 war. The ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and other measures aimed at altering the demographic and cultural landscape of East Jerusalem have drawn widespread criticism from the international community.

The statement also reaffirmed the Ministers' categorical rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem. They recognized the special role of the historical Hashemite custodianship, which pertains to the Jordanian monarchy's responsibility for the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. This custodianship is a critical aspect of Jordan's relationship with Palestine and has been a point of contention in diplomatic discussions regarding the status of Jerusalem.

The Foreign Ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which spans approximately 144 dunams (about 36 acres), is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. They stressed that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which is affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, holds exclusive jurisdiction over the administration of the mosque and the regulation of access to it. This assertion underscores the importance of maintaining the mosque's integrity and ensuring that it remains a space for Muslim worshippers.

In light of these developments, the Ministers called on Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately remove access restrictions to the Old City of Jerusalem and to refrain from obstructing Muslim worshippers' access to Al Aqsa Mosque. They further urged the international community to adopt a firm stance against Israel's ongoing violations and illegal practices concerning Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. This call for international intervention reflects a broader concern among Arab nations regarding the preservation of religious sites and the rights of Palestinians.

The situation surrounding Al Aqsa Mosque is emblematic of the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has deep historical roots and is characterized by a complex interplay of religion, nationalism, and territorial disputes. The mosque itself has been a flashpoint for violence and protests, particularly during periods of heightened tensions. The international community has often found itself divided on how to address these issues, with various nations advocating for different approaches to peace and security in the region.

As tensions continue to rise, the implications of the Foreign Ministers' condemnation extend beyond the immediate context of Al Aqsa Mosque. It highlights the fragility of the peace process and underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing situation at Al Aqsa Mosque serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing the region, including the need for dialogue, mutual recognition, and respect for the rights and identities of all parties involved.