Arab and Muslim countries have strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers. In a joint statement, they said the act fuels hatred and obstructs efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem, is one of Islam's holiest sites. The visit by Israeli settlers on Sunday has been described as a provocation. The joint statement, issued by several Arab and Muslim nations, called for an end to such actions. They urged Israel to respect the sanctity of the site and to avoid steps that undermine peace. The statement also warned that continued violations could lead to further tensions. The Israeli government has not yet responded to the condemnation. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been a flashpoint for decades. It is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. The site is administered by Jordan's Islamic Waqf, but Israeli security forces control access. Under longstanding arrangements, non-Muslims are allowed to visit but not pray. However, in recent years, more Jewish visitors have been allowed to enter, sparking protests. The latest incident has drawn widespread criticism from Arab and Muslim capitals. They called on the international community to intervene and protect the site's status. The joint statement highlighted the need to preserve the historical and religious identity of Jerusalem.