Doha - Information Office - 13 May

The State of Qatar strongly condemned today the storming of more than 1,600 Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque today as part of what Israelis refer to as Jerusalem Day. This is the largest number of Israeli settlers who have entered the Mosque since the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement on the special status of Al Quds for all Muslims and considered that the failure of the Israeli authorities as an occupying power in protecting Al Aqsa mosque and Islamic holy sites is a violation of its obligations in accordance with the provisions of international law and international covenants.

The State of Qatar said that it holds the Israeli Government accountable for any harm done to the Holy Temple as a result of these violations.

The statement expressed the State of Qatar's rejection of any violations related to the rights of worship or harmed Islamic sanctities in the land of Palestine and called for their immediate cessation. They also warned of the repercussions of such illegal practices on the region and the world.

The statement called on the international community to carry out its moral and legal responsibility to protect Al Aqsa Mosque and religious sanctities in Palestine.