ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Israeli forces for their repeated storming of the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and “extremist” Israeli settlers for acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, urging the international community to take urgent steps to halt such incidents.
In recent weeks, attacks by Israeli settlers, notably those living in outposts, have multiplied in the West Bank. These attacks have targeted Palestinians, Israeli and foreign anti-settlement activists and sometimes even Israeli soldiers. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, with more than 500,000 Israelis now living there in settlements.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the continuing violations by the Israeli occupying forces and extremist settlers against the Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank, including repeated storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and provocations against worshippers,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the international law and the relevant UN resolutions.”
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest site after the mosques in Makkah and Madinah. It is a revered place of worship for over two billion Muslims worldwide. The mosque also stands at the heart of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, making it both a spiritual and political symbol for Muslims worldwide.
Israeli forces repeatedly storm the courtyards of the mosque and harass Palestinian worshippers there, drawing angry reactions from Muslim states.
Pakistan’s foreign office called for ensuring the sanctity of Islam’s holy sites in accordance with international law and the historical status quo.
“Pakistan calls upon the international community to take urgent and effective measures to ensure protection of the holy sites, prevent further settler violence and incursions, and uphold relevant UN resolutions,” the statement added.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has consistently criticized Tel Aviv for its war on Gaza. Israel has killed around 69,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023 before agreeing to a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US.
