Türkiye Condemns Israeli Groups Storming Al-Aqsa Mosque

[Akinola Kholid]

Türkiye has strongly condemned the reported storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem by extremist Israeli groups, who were accompanied by Israeli occupation forces. Ankara described the incident as a serious provocation involving one of Islam's most important holy sites.

In a statement, Türkiye's Foreign Ministry expressed concern over what it described as continued violations and provocations targeting Muslim holy places. The ministry said such actions could contribute to rising tensions across the region.

The Turkish government also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of taking actions that could further undermine regional peace and stability. Ankara said provocations involving Muslim holy sites risk making efforts toward de-escalation more difficult.

Türkiye called on the international community to respond to what it described as Israeli practices that violate the established historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. It urged international actors to take measures aimed at preventing further incidents at the holy site.

The statement comes amid continued international concern over tensions surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The compound remains a particularly sensitive site, with developments there frequently drawing strong reactions from Muslim-majority countries.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam, after the Kaaba in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Its status and access remain among the most sensitive issues connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Türkiye's latest statement reiterates Ankara's position that the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque should be respected. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the international community should take steps to prevent further provocations and support efforts toward peace and stability in the region.

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