Turkey harshly denounces Al-Aqsa Mosque incursion, spearheaded by Israeli far-right minister
In a strong statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has condemned the raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli ministers and settler groups, describing it as a grave provocation that threatens the sanctity of the mosque and the sacred character of Jerusalem.
The ministry claimed that the systematic provocations by Israel target the foundations of the two-state solution and gravely undermine aspirations for peace. It reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to defend the sanctity of Al-Aqsa, emphasizing that the mosque represents "our common heritage and collective memory."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also weighed in, vowing to increase pressure on Israel to prevent further humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He linked the raid and wider Israeli policies to a broader context of oppression and destabilization, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace based on the 1967 borders and a two-state solution.
Erdogan also highlighted the urgent need to address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's blockade of Gaza. He considers Al-Aqsa Mosque as Turkey's "red line."
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli National Security Minister, led a mass incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound early Sunday. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, which they believe was the site of two ancient Jewish temples. However, the Jewish prayers conducted within the compound—prohibited under long-standing agreements—were denounced by Turkey and others as a violation of the "status quo" and an affront to humanity’s collective conscience.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where the mosque is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Israel annexed the entire city of Jerusalem in 1980, a move not recognized by the international community. The ministry described the raid as a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability.
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also strongly condemned the raid, renewing Turkey's call for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. He compared the raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque to Israel's "dirty war and genocide."
Turkey's stance on the issue underscores its commitment to upholding the sanctity of religious sites and promoting peace in the region. The international community is urged to take notice and act to prevent further escalation of tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has vowed to increase pressure on Israel regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, linking the raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque and broader Israeli policies to a context of oppression and destabilization, and advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace based on the 1967 borders and a two-state solution, a stance that Turkey continues to emphasize.
- The Communications Director, Burhanettin Duran, also strongly condemned the raid, renewing Turkey's call for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, and compared the raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque to Israel's "dirty war and genocide," highlighting Turkey's commitment to upholding the sanctity of religious sites and promoting peace in the region.
- Ankara, the capital city of Turkiye, has been at the forefront of criticizing the recent raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli ministers and settler groups, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry describing it as a grave provocation that threatens regional peace and stability, and emphasizing Turkey's commitment to defend the sanctity of Al-Aqsa, viewing it as part of Turkiye's collective memory and heritage.
