The Government of the Maldives has strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli officials and settlers under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Government described the actions, including restrictions placed on worshippers accessing the mosque, as a blatant violation of international law and a deliberate provocation targeting the religious and historical significance of the holy site.

The statement comes following recent incidents in which Israeli ministers and settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police protection during events linked to “Jerusalem Day.” Reports stated that groups of settlers performed religious rituals inside the compound while restrictions were imposed on Palestinian worshippers entering the site.

The Maldives also called on the international community to take urgent and decisive action to hold Israel accountable for what it described as continued human rights violations and disregard for the longstanding status quo governing the site.

The Government further reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people and called for stronger international efforts to protect Islamic holy sites and uphold the legitimate rights of Palestinians.

Recent reports indicated that Israeli police imposed tighter security measures around the compound, with some gates closed and worshippers facing restrictions during Friday prayers.