OIC Condemns Israeli Settler Raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Warns Incursions Threaten Religious Tensions in Jerusalem

TDT | Manama

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The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned a raid by Israeli officials and thousands of settlers into the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, describing the move as a “flagrant violation” of the holy site's historic and legal status quo.

In a statement, the OIC General Secretariat said the incursion was carried out under heavy protection from Israeli forces and coincided with events marking what Jewish groups refer to as the “anniversary of the destruction of the Temple.”

The organisation said more than 3,000 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, accompanied by calls to increase participation in the incursions and perform religious rituals inside the site.

The OIC warned that such actions, along with restrictions placed on Muslim worshippers accessing the mosque, risk escalating religious tensions in the region.

The OIC said the incursions are part of what it described as a “systematic policy” aimed at changing the existing arrangements at Al-Aqsa Mosque and imposing new realities on the ground.

It reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known as the Noble Sanctuary, covers 144 dunams and is a site dedicated exclusively to Muslim worship under the historic status quo.

The organisation rejected any unilateral measures by Israeli authorities, saying attempts to alter the character of the holy site violate established international law.

Calls for International Action

The OIC reaffirmed that all measures aimed at changing the historical, demographic and legal status of Jerusalem are “null and void” under international law and United Nations resolutions.

It stressed that East Jerusalem remains part of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

The organisation called on the international community and relevant institutions to take urgent steps to prevent further violations, protect freedom of worship in Jerusalem, and hold Israeli authorities accountable for actions it described as violations of international law.