Al-Aqsa Mosque stormed by Israeli settlers and minister Ben-Gvir, condemned by eight Arab nations

On July 23‑24, 2026, roughly 4,200‑5,000 Israeli settlers and far‑right groups entered the Al‑Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount compound in East Jerusalem during the Jewish fast of Tisha B’Av. National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir escorted the crowd, which prayed openly, displayed Israeli flags, set up tents and, according to Palestinian officials, assaulted worshippers and imposed tight gate restrictions that barred many Palestinians from entering.

The incursion violated the long‑standing “status‑quo” arrangement that permits Muslim prayer at the site but bans non‑Muslim worship. In response, the foreign ministers of Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan issued a joint statement condemning the “mass incursions” as illegal, provocative and a breach of international law and UN resolutions. The statement said, “These provocative actions fuel hatred and extremism, and obstruct efforts to advance a just and lasting peace.” The ministers called on Israel to lift restrictions, respect the historic legal status of the holy sites and cease attempts to alter Jerusalem’s status.