Islamabad: Foreign Office (FO) “Strongly condemned insensitive and provocative visit” of Israel’s new far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to Al Aqsa Masjid a day earlier. Visit had angered Palestinians and drew slew of condemnations including from United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkiye and Jordan.

In a statement, FO asserted, “Al Aqsa Masjid is holy site revered by Muslims around world.” It added that “Violation of its sanctity offends religious sensitivities of Muslims and inflames an already tense situation in occupied Palestinian territories”.

FO demanded, “Israel must cease its illegal actions and respect sanctity of Muslim religious sites in occupied Palestinian territories.” Statement reiterated Pakistan’s “Strong support for legitimate struggle of Palestinian people”.

It also renewed Pakistan’s call for “Viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State with pre-1967 borders” and with Al Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation resolutions.

Israeli minister had justified his 15-minute visit by tweeting that “Temple Mount is open to all” while using Jewish name for site.

Video footage showed him strolling at periphery of compound, surrounded by heavy security detail and flanked by fellow Orthodox Jew.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 05 2023

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