Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and settler groups’ recent incursion into East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by settlement groups, calling their actions an attack on Islamic holy sites and international norms.
On Monday morning, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned an Israeli minister and settlers entering a mosque under protection from Israeli police as a sacrilege against one of Islam’s holiest sites and an assault against international law and humanity’s collective conscience. [Facebook], IRNA English + DialoguePakistan].
Sharif lamented how “shameless actions” deliberately inflame tensions both within Palestine and across the Middle East region, leading to more instability and conflict. He reiterated Pakistan’s urgent demand for an immediate ceasefire, an end to all acts of aggression, and revival of an effective peace process leading to an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital according to international law and UN resolutions. WND/Radio.gov.pk reported on this topic at dawn.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office shared Prime Minister Imran Khan’s disapproval, with Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemning Israel’s storming of Al-Aqsa by senior Israeli ministers and officials along with thousands of settlers backed by occupation forces as “dangerous and deliberate attempt” at stirring religious sentiments globally, altering the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and thus “provoking religious sentiments around the world.” Wikipedia (Dunya News +14 and Express Tribune).
FO has issued a warning that such provocations risk instigating a “catastrophic spiral of violence” throughout the region, in violation of international human rights law, humanitarian law, the UN Charter and resolutions adopted by both bodies. [Dunya News and Dawn News are] reporting this development].
According to Israeli media reports, Minister Ben-Gvir’s visit coincided with Jewish commemorations of Tisha B’Av and saw settlers engage in Talmudic rituals within the compound–activities expressly forbidden under long-standing agreements. Israeli police assisted their entry and kept order during this event, sparking outrage and regional backlash among many residents. For more information on the subject visit the Arab News, Dawn News or Dialogue Pakistan websites for details and reporting.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, widely recognized as one of the three holiest sites in Islam, is managed under Jordanian religious authorities on an intricate “status quo” arrangement which permits Jewish visitors while prohibiting prayer inside its complex. Security incursions by Israeli ministers or security intrusions seen as attempts to alter this status quo have also caused concern. Arab News for North America [ABNA English +5 = Dawn = Arab News for North America (ABNA English+5 = Dawn) (ADNNAEnglish +5= Arab News for North Africa [ADNNA English +5= Dawn +5 = Arab News]. ABNA English+5 = Arab News for North Africa
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This incident underscores Pakistan’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood and opposition to Israeli occupation, and their refusal to formalise diplomatic relations. Islamabad regularly calls for international intervention in order to guarantee Palestinian rights.
Last month, as president of the UN Security Council, Pakistan made an appeal for action regarding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and delivered over 1,700 tonnes of relief aid in various shipments through multiple relief consignments to Gaza via multiple relief routes. For this effort alone, over 1,700 tonnes have already been sent via multiple relief consignments by Pakistan to Gaza since last November alone (Arab News +1).
Security analysts caution of the serious repercussions that high-profile provocations, like Israel’s Al-Aqsa intrusion, can have. Such actions escalate intercommunal tensions, worsen existing conflicts and lessen prospects for peace. Pakistan’s statements urge global stakeholders to hold Israel accountable and act swiftly in protecting sacred spaces as well as fundamental rights for Palestinian people.