Qatar calls Israeli minister's Al-Aqsa trip breach of international law

Qatar has strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, along with the actions of accompanying settlers and Israeli security forces, including restrictions imposed on worshippers’ access to the holy site.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the actions as a “gross violation of international law and international humanitarian law” and an “unacceptable provocation” that affects the religious sentiments of Muslims around the world.

بيان | دولة قطر تدين اقتحام وزير الأمن القومي الإسرائيلي للمسجد الأقصى المبارك

الدوحة | 15 مايو 2026

تدين دولة قطر اقتحام وزير الأمن القومي الإسرائيلي المتطرف للمسجد الأقصى المبارك، وما رافق ذلك من ممارسات استفزازية وانتهاكات ارتكبها مستوطنون تحت حماية قوات الاحتلال، بما في ذلك… pic.twitter.com/aMYtsSFZM0

— الخارجية القطرية (@MofaQatar_AR) May 15, 2026

The Qatari authorities emphasized that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively a place of worship for Muslims, adding that any unilateral measures aimed at altering the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem are “null and illegal.”

The ministry warned that the continuation of such actions could escalate tensions and further destabilize the region, while also undermining ongoing efforts to maintain stability.

Qatar called on the international community to intervene and press Israel, referred to in the statement as an “occupying power,” to halt violations against Palestinians and holy sites and to comply with relevant international law and resolutions.

By Vafa Guliyeva