‘Reprehensible’: Pakistan condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque compound, raising of Israeli flag in its courtyard

The condemnation issued by the Foreign Office said “these reprehensible acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, as well as of the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site. Such provocative steps also risk further escalating tensions in the region”.

It stated that the acts of storming and the “raising of the occupying power’s flag” were carried out “by illegal Israeli settlers”.

The settlers forced their way into the site through the mosque’s Mughrabi Gate, under heavy police protection, according to an Anadolu reporter.

Videos circulating on social media showed occupiers performing Talmudic rituals and prayers aloud, including what is referred to as “epic prostration”, particularly in the eastern area of the compound.

Photos shared online also showed two occupiers raising the Israeli flag inside the compound, with the Dome of the Rock mosque visible behind them.

Following the incident, the FO statement said, “Pakistan calls for all possible measures to protect holy sites under Israeli occupation and to end the impunity of illegal settlers operating under its patronage.”

“Pakistan continues to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirms its unwavering support for their right to worship, and reiterates its support for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital,” it added.

On April 6, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had stormed Al Aqsa Mosque compound.

Palestinian news agency Wafa quoted the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem as saying that the minister toured the mosque’s courtyards, entering through the Mughrabi Gate and proceeding to the Chain Gate before returning via the same route, amidst a heavy deployment of occupation police.

“He has stormed the mosque approximately 14 times since assuming his position in 2023, as part of an escalating policy towards the mosque,” the report said.

Later, he again stormed the mosque on April 13 under heavy police deployment.