ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned the storming of the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli nationals in Jerusalem on Sunday, calling the “provocative” development blatant violation of the sanctity of the Islamic place of worship.
Hundreds of Israeli settlers entered the mosque earlier in the day as their country’s armed forces continued the onslaught on Gaza which started about three days ago.
Muslims across the world have emotional attachment with the mosque in Jerusalem, which is considered to be the third holiest place of worship in Islam after the grand mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
“Such incidents are flagrant violations of international law, international norms and practices,” the foreign office of Pakistan said in a statement while pointing out that the incident took place even as the mosque was under the protection of Israeli forces.
“Any attempt to change the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque must stop,” it added.
The statement also urged the international community to take urgent steps to put an end to the “Israeli aggression and violations,” adding such developments were instrumental in fueling violence and instability in the region.
It emphasized the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian state, “with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif [Jerusalem] as its capital,” to ensure lasting and just solution to the Palestinian issue.
