Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the recent storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli ministers, accompanied by settler groups, and protected by Israeli police. In his statement, shared on his social media platform, Sharif called the attack a direct assault on the beliefs of over a billion Muslims worldwide and an egregious violation of international law. He emphasized that the desecration of one of Islam’s holiest sites not only offends the Muslim community but also disrupts the moral fabric of global society.
The Prime Minister described the act as part of a series of deliberate provocations carried out by Israel’s occupying forces. These provocations, he said, coupled with Israel’s reckless calls for territorial annexation, threaten any hope for peace in the region. He pointed out that such actions increase tensions and lead the Middle East closer to further instability and conflict.
Sharif stressed the importance of respecting the historical and religious significance of the Al-Aqsa mosque. He reminded the world that this site, located in Jerusalem, is a place of profound spiritual importance for Muslims, and any violation of its sanctity would not be tolerated. The Prime Minister reiterated that Israel’s actions go against the long-standing “status quo” arrangement that governs the Al-Aqsa compound, which a Jordanian religious foundation has administered.
The controversy surrounding the storming of Al-Aqsa was further fueled by the visit of Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. On Sunday, Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and publicly prayed there, despite the delicate agreements in place that forbid Jewish prayer at the site. These actions by the Israeli minister were seen as a challenge to the rules surrounding one of the most sensitive religious sites in the world.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s policy towards the Al-Aqsa compound would not change. He assured that the status quo would continue to be upheld, despite the provocative actions by Ben-Gvir and the growing tension surrounding the site.
Sharif’s condemnation came in the wake of the rising violence and increased provocations from Israeli officials. He said that these actions were not only a violation of international norms but also a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions in Palestine and the broader Middle East region. His statement called for an immediate end to the aggression and emphasized the need for peace.
The Prime Minister also called for an urgent ceasefire in Palestine, urging the international community to support efforts that would lead to the restoration of peace in the region. He emphasized the need for a credible peace process that would work towards establishing an independent and viable State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law and United Nations resolutions.
Sharif further reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue, stating that the international community must do more to address the ongoing conflict and the oppression faced by the Palestinian people. He urged world leaders to take immediate action to stop the violence and to support the creation of a peaceful and sovereign Palestinian state.
The Prime Minister’s statement is part of Pakistan’s continued advocacy for Palestinian rights on the global stage. Pakistan has long been a vocal supporter of Palestine’s independence and sovereignty and has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
As the situation in Jerusalem remains tense, the international community watches closely, with calls for de-escalation and dialogue. The storming of Al-Aqsa mosque has once again highlighted the fragile peace in the region and the need for a renewed focus on diplomacy and respect for religious and cultural sites.
