8 Muslim Countries Including Pakistan Reject Changes to Status of Jerusalem

The foreign ministers of Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday issued a joint statement rejecting any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The ministers condemned what they described as “repeated violations” of the status quo at the city’s holy sites by Israeli authorities. They specifically criticized continued incursions by Israeli settlers and “extremist ministers” into Al Aqsa Mosque (Al Haram Al Sharif), carried out under Israeli police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards.

The joint statement, issued by Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, said these actions constitute a “flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law” and an “unacceptable provocation” to Muslims worldwide.

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Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, 23 April, 2026

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 23, 2026

The ministers reaffirmed their “categorical rejection” of any attempts to change the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and stressed the importance of preserving it, while recognizing the special role of Hashemite custodianship.

They emphasized that the entire 144-dunam compound of Al Aqsa Mosque is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims. They also stated that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, remains the only legal authority responsible for administering the site and regulating entry.

The statement further condemned what it described as accelerating illegal settlement activity, including Israel’s approval of more than 30 new settlements. It said these actions violate international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and a 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.

The ministers also denounced increasing settler violence in the occupied West Bank, including attacks on Palestinian schools and children, and called for accountability.

They stressed that Israel has “no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory” and rejected any attempts to annex territory or displace Palestinians. Such actions, they said, undermine the viability of a Palestinian state, escalate tensions, and hinder peace efforts.

The statement reaffirmed support for Palestinian rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.