Pakistan, other Muslim countries condemn Israel's storming of Al Aqsa Mosque
08 Aug 2022 10:41am
Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that have denounced the Israeli raid on the Islamic holy site. - Photo: Getty Images
"Pakistan strongly condemns the storming of the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli occupying forces," Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
"This provocative action has blatantly violated the sanctity of the Qibla-e-Awal (the first Qibla) and hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the world. Such incidents are flagrant violations of international law, international norms and practices. Any attempt to change the historical and legal status of Al Aqsa Mosque must stop," it added.
A mob of illegal Jewish settlers forced its way into the mosque complex on Sunday as Israel continued its bombing of the Gaza Strip.
Israel has killed 43 people and injured more than 300 in Gaza in its latest attacks on the Palestinian enclave, which is under an Israeli military blockade for 15 years.
Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that have denounced the Israeli raid on the Islamic holy site.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry said Israel's "provocative practices are part of continuous attempts to change the historical and legal status of Al Aqsa Mosque and to advance the temporal division of the mosque".
Calling for international action, Qatar warned that "simultaneous provocations with the new Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip would lead to a dangerous escalation and waves of violence".
"We strongly condemn Israel's ongoing attacks on civilians and attempts to worship in the Al Aqsa Mosque," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We reiterate our call to the Israeli government not to allow such acts targetting the status and sanctity of Al Haram Al Sharif," it said.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said he discussed with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on efforts to stop Israel's aggression in Gaza.
"Ending escalation and restoring calm must be a global priority," he said.
Safadi said "historical and legal status quo" must be respected in Jerusalem. - BERNAMA
