Egypt strongly condemned on Monday the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli officials and a mob of settlers under Israeli police protection. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the move as a violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and a provocation to Muslims worldwide. This incident has raised concerns about the potential for further regional tension and escalation. Egypt stressed the need to preserve the mosque's established historical and legal status.
A mob of 570 settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday morning under heavy protection from Israeli police. This incident is the latest in a series of similar violations, including an incursion by Israeli ministers and previous stormings of Al-Aqsa by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Egypt has repeatedly condemned such actions, which undermine prospects for calm and stability in the region.
Under the Status Quo agreement governing the holy sites in Jerusalem, worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque is exclusively for Muslims, with Jews permitted to pray at the Buraq Wall (Western Wall). However, recent incursions have raised concerns about attempts to alter Jerusalem's Arab and Islamic identity or impose a new reality at its holy sites. Cairo has called for an end to unilateral measures that undermine regional stability.
Cairo also stressed the importance of respecting Jordan's Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The Hashemite custodianship has been a long-standing arrangement, and Egypt has reaffirmed its support for this custodianship. In August, Arab and Muslim foreign ministers also condemned the escalation in Jerusalem and reaffirmed their support for the Hashemite custodianship.
Al-Azhar warned in April that repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa could destabilize the region. Egypt's concerns about the situation in Jerusalem have been echoed by other countries and international organizations. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
Egypt has taken a strong stance against Israeli actions in Jerusalem, and has repeatedly condemned similar violations. The country has also pushed for de-escalation and a Gaza settlement in UNGA meetings. Egypt's efforts to address the situation in Jerusalem reflect its commitment to regional stability and security.
The situation in Jerusalem remains a source of concern, with Egypt and other countries calling for restraint and respect for the Status Quo agreement. The incident has highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for the protection of holy sites in Jerusalem. Egypt will continue to monitor the situation closely and take a strong stance against any actions that undermine regional stability.
Key points
- Egypt condemns Israeli settlers' storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, warns of regional escalation
- Incident raises concerns about attempts to alter Jerusalem's Arab and Islamic identity
- Egypt stresses importance of respecting Jordan's Hashemite custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem
