Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the sanctity of the site and the broader implications for regional peace and Muslim sentiments worldwide.
On January 3, 2023, Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a move that Pakistan termed “insensitive and provocative.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement asserting that such actions offend the religious sensitivities of Muslims and escalate tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Pakistan reiterated its call for Israel to cease its illegal actions and respect the sanctity of Muslim religious sites in the occupied territories. The statement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate struggle and its call for a viable, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital .
Further escalating the situation, on April 3, 2023, Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Pakistan strongly condemned this act, highlighting the violation of one of Islam’s holiest sites and the deliberate targeting of a UN-run clinic in Jabalia, which sheltered over 700 displaced civilians.
The Foreign Office spokesperson described these actions as blatant violations of international law and humanitarian principles, constituting war crimes. Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital .
In a subsequent incident on May 20, 2023, Pakistan condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation authorities, including members of the Knesset, under the protection of Israeli forces.
The MOFA statement emphasized that such acts violate the sanctity of the mosque, disrespect the religious sentiments of over 1.5 billion Muslims, and defy international humanitarian and human rights laws. Pakistan called upon the international community to take urgent action to end Israeli transgressions in the occupied territories and reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause .
Additionally, on August 7, 2023, Pakistan condemned the storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli occupying forces. The Foreign Office described this provocative action as a blatant violation of the sanctity of the Qibla-e-Awal, hurting the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
Pakistan called upon the international community to take urgent action to end Israeli aggression and violations, which continue to fuel violence, tension, and instability in the region. The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s call for a viable, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital .
These statements reflect Pakistan’s consistent position on the issue, emphasizing the protection of Islamic holy sites, adherence to international law, and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
