Pakistan ‘strongly’ condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli minister

Pakistan on Tuesday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the latest storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by a far-right Israeli minister, calling upon the international community to take “urgent and effective” measures to prevent such provocations, Anadolu reports.

“This reprehensible act constitutes a direct assault on the sanctity and historical character of the holy site and is a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions,” said a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Islamabad “categorically” rejected all attempts by the Israeli occupying authorities to alter or undermine the established religious, historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Monday, Israel’s far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday. Ben-Gvir entered the mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate and toured its courtyards.

READ: Extremist Israeli minister storms Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque again amid ongoing closure

Islamabad reiterated its “unwavering” and “principled” support for the just cause of the Palestinian people, including their “inalienable” right to self-determination, and for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli authorities kept Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre closed for the 38th consecutive day, citing the “state of emergency” declared since the start of the US-Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28.

In a separate statement, Pakistan expressed its “deep concern” and “unequivocal condemnation” of the missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran on Monday night against energy facilities in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

“The government of Pakistan considers these attacks a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a dangerous escalation that undermines regional peace and stability,” the statement added.

READ: Israel continues to bar Muslims from Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque