Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the Israeli flag inside its courtyard, calling the actions “reprehensible” and a violation of international law.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said the incident, carried out by “illegal Israeli settlers,” constituted a breach of the sanctity and inviolability of the holy site and risked further escalating tensions in the region.
It said settlers entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection and engaged in provocative activities, including religious rituals, before the Israeli flag was raised inside the courtyard.
The Foreign Office stressed that such actions must be stopped and called for measures to protect holy sites under Israeli occupation, while also urging an end to impunity for settlers operating under state protection.
Reaffirming its position, Pakistan reiterated support for the Palestinian people and their right to worship, and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The statement comes amid a series of reported incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent weeks, including visits by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which have drawn repeated condemnation from Palestinian authorities and regional states.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in occupied East Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount.
