Eight Arab-Islamic nations, including Pakistan, issued a joint condemnation Friday against what they described as a dangerous Israeli escalation at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. The foreign ministers specifically cited mass settler incursions led by extremist Israeli ministers, the raising of the Israeli flag inside the mosque courtyards, and the erection of tents by Israeli police as provocative acts that violate international law. Main Developments The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They declared that the Israeli actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo at holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem. The ministers warned that these provocative actions fuel hatred and extremism, obstructing efforts to advance a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. They also condemned restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship, calling them discriminatory and arbitrary. Read also: How a Low-Pressure System Over Rajasthan Threatens Sindh Background Al Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al Haram Al Sharif, sits on 144 dunams in the Old City of Jerusalem and is one of Islam's holiest sites. Under longstanding arrangements, the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department—affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs—holds exclusive jurisdiction to administer the site and regulate entry. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Tensions have repeatedly flared over Israeli security forces entering the compound and over visits by Jewish groups, which Palestinians view as provocations. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has historically served as custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Why It Matters The joint condemnation from eight major Islamic states signals rare diplomatic unity on an issue that often divides the region. The ministers stressed that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, directly challenging Israeli claims to the city as its undivided capital. These developments risk inflaming broader regional tensions and undermining the two-state solution, which remains the bedrock of international peace efforts. The statement also highlights the growing concern among Muslim-majority nations that Israeli actions are systematically altering the historical, legal and demographic character of East Jerusalem. What's Next The foreign ministers called on Israel to immediately remove access restrictions to the Old City and to stop obstructing Muslim worshippers from reaching the mosque. They also urged the international community to adopt a firm position compelling Israel to halt its violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Whether the UN Security Council or other multilateral bodies will take concrete action remains an open question. The eight nations are expected to continue coordinating diplomatically, possibly raising the issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation or the UN General Assembly.