ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the reported storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of the Israeli flag within its परिसर, describing the actions as “reprehensible” and a serious violation of international law.
In a statement, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said the incident undermines the sanctity and inviolability of one of Islam’s holiest sites and risks further escalating tensions in the region. It added that the actions were carried out by what it termed “illegal Israeli settlers.”
According to reports, settlers entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection. Footage circulating online allegedly showed individuals performing religious rituals inside the compound, while images depicted the Israeli flag being raised with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
Pakistan called for immediate steps to ensure the protection of religious sites under Israeli control and urged an end to what it described as impunity for settlers. The statement reaffirmed Islamabad’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to worship freely.
Reiterating its longstanding position, Pakistan emphasized support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital.
The development follows a separate incident earlier this month involving Itamar Ben-Gvir, who visited the mosque compound under heavy security. Palestinian authorities have described repeated visits by Israeli officials and settlers as part of a broader escalation around the sensitive site.