Arab ministers call for urgent international action to halt Israeli measures in Jerusalem
Arab ministers demand urgent international action to stop Israeli measures in Jerusalem and call for UN intervention and a joint documentation platform.
The Arab ministerial meeting, hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, called for immediate international steps to halt what it described as Israeli violations in Jerusalem and measures that threaten the city’s legal and demographic status. Delegations stressed that East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territories and affirmed its status as the capital of a future Palestinian state under international law. The ministers announced the launch of a coordinated international response and an institutional mechanism to document alleged violations.
Meeting hosted by Jordan brings broad regional participation
The session took place at the invitation of Jordan and included foreign ministers from the Arab ministerial committee assigned to coordinate international action on Jerusalem. Representatives from Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia also joined the discussions, underscoring wide regional concern. Delegates said the meeting aimed to formulate concrete diplomatic and institutional measures to counter recent developments in the city.
Declaration reiterates East Jerusalem’s status under international law
Participants issued a joint statement reiterating that East Jerusalem is part of the occupied Palestinian territories and must be recognized as the capital of the State of Palestine in line with UN resolutions and the two-state solution. The declaration rejected any unilateral steps that would alter the city’s legal status, including moves to open or transfer diplomatic missions to Jerusalem. Ministers emphasized that altering the city’s demographic or legal character would contravene longstanding international consensus.
Protecting the Al-Aqsa compound and Christian holy sites
The meeting condemned what ministers described as violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and at Christian holy places, calling for full respect for religious freedoms and custodial arrangements. Delegates expressed support for the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem and praised local residents’ resilience. Officials warned that sustained pressure on places of worship risks inflaming tensions and undermining interfaith coexistence.
Appeal to the UN Security Council and international community
The ministers called on the UN Security Council and broader international community to take immediate, effective measures to prevent further unilateral actions in Jerusalem. The statement urged diplomatic pressure and practical steps to preserve the city’s status and protect civilians and holy sites. Delegations also requested rapid consideration of the matter at multilateral fora and highlighted the need for enforceable international responses.
Launch of a joint mechanism and documentation platform
As part of the outcome, participants announced the creation of a joint international initiative and a sustainable institutional mechanism to monitor and document alleged Israeli actions in Jerusalem. The plan includes establishing a media and documentation platform intended to collect, verify and disseminate information on incidents affecting the city’s legal and demographic character. Ministers said the mechanism is designed to provide a permanent record for use in diplomatic, legal and public advocacy channels.
Coordination with the OIC and Arab League at the UN General Assembly
Delegates called for a joint ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2026. The planned session aims to coordinate responses to what ministers described as an escalation in Jerusalem and to agree on unified diplomatic initiatives. Participants signalled that timing at the UNGA would allow for high-level engagement with international partners and for presenting consolidated demands to the Security Council.
Ministers warn of wider regional and international repercussions
The meeting cautioned that continued attacks on holy sites and unilateral changes in Jerusalem could threaten regional stability and international peace and security. Officials stressed that such actions risked provoking broader unrest and complicating diplomatic efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution. The ministers urged responsible international intervention to prevent further deterioration and to protect the city’s unique religious and historical character.
The Jordan-hosted ministerial gathering concluded with an appeal for coordinated international pressure, ongoing monitoring of developments in Jerusalem, and immediate steps by global institutions to uphold the city’s status under international law.
