Pakistan Condemns Israeli Settlers’ Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Flag Raising as Blatant Violation of International Law

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong condemnation of the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and the subsequent raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. The act was denounced as a “reprehensible” and blatant violation of international law, undermining the sanctity of one of Islam’s holiest sites and risking further regional escalation.

According to the Foreign Office statement, illegal Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Mughrabi Gate under the protection of Israeli police. Once inside, they raised the Israeli flag in the mosque’s courtyard — an act described as a provocative violation of the site’s religious and historical status.

The statement emphasized that such actions constitute a clear breach of international law and the inviolability of holy places under occupation. Pakistan urged the international community to accept immediate action to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem from repeated violations by Israeli settlers and security forces.

Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including their right to practice religious rites without restriction and to establish an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The condemnation was echoed across the Muslim world, with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issuing a statement on April 21, 2026, describing the incident as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a provocation to Muslims worldwide. Qatar stressed the need for the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities toward Jerusalem and to confront repeated Israeli violations of the holy site’s status.

Similar concerns were raised by Jordan and other regional actors, who warned that continued incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under Israeli protection threaten the delicate status quo of the holy site and could ignite broader regional tensions.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam and lies within a compound also sacred to Jews as the Temple Mount. Its status remains a core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with any changes to access or control seen as highly sensitive and potentially incendiary.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office called on the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and all relevant international bodies to intervene and ensure that Israel, as the occupying power, complies with its obligations under international humanitarian law and respects the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

As of the date of the statement, no official response had been issued by Israeli authorities regarding the specific incident of settlers entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and raising the Israeli flag on April 21, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan condemned the April 21, 2026, storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag as a “reprehensible” violation of international law.
• The settlers entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under Israeli police protection, according to reports.
• Pakistan urged global action to protect holy sites under occupation and reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• Qatar and Jordan also condemned the incident, describing it as a provocation and breach of the holy site’s status.
• The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound remains a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict due to its deep religious significance for Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Al-Aqsa Mosque significant?

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. It is located within a compound in Jerusalem’s Old City that is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, making it a focal point of religious and political tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What does international law say about holy sites in occupied territories?

Under international humanitarian law, particularly the Hague Regulations of 1907 and the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power must respect and protect religious and cultural property in occupied territories. Any alteration of the status of holy sites is considered a violation unless justified by imperative military necessity.

Has Pakistan taken similar positions on Al-Aqsa Mosque violations in the past?

Yes, Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, including settler incursions, police raids, and restrictions on Muslim worshippers, framing them as violations of international law and provocations against the Muslim world.