The Muslim Council of Elders and the United Arab Emirates have strongly condemned the storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli police, describing the incident as a dangerous provocation that threatens regional stability and violates the historical and legal status of one of Islam’s holiest sites.
In separate statements, both the Council and the UAE called on the international community to take urgent action to halt repeated violations at the mosque compound and safeguard the religious and historical character of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
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Muslim Council of Elders Denounces Provocative Actions
The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemned the entry of settlers into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the raising of the Israeli flag within its precincts. The Council described these actions as extremist and provocative violations that undermine the sanctity of the mosque and inflame tensions in the region.
Reaffirming its firm stance, the Council rejected all attempts to alter the established religious, historical, and legal status of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. It stressed that the mosque, covering an area of 144 dunams, is an Islamic place of worship exclusively for Muslims.
The Council warned that the continuation of such systematic violations could have serious repercussions for security and stability across the Middle East. It urged the international community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities toward Islamic holy sites and take immediate and decisive measures to prevent further violations.
The organization also renewed its call for concerted international efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue. It emphasized the need to end the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people and support their legitimate right to establish an independent state with Holy Jerusalem as its capital.
UAE Reaffirms Support for Holy Sites
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a strong condemnation of the incident, describing the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by settlers under police protection, as well as the raising of the Israeli flag inside the compound, as an unacceptable act of extremism and provocation.
In its statement, the Ministry stressed the importance of respecting the historical and legal status quo governing Al-Aqsa Mosque and ensuring the protection of all religious and holy sites. It reiterated the UAE’s support for preserving the sanctity of places of worship and preventing actions that could further escalate tensions.
The Ministry also highlighted the custodial role of Jordan in overseeing Islamic endowments and managing the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque. It expressed full solidarity with Jordan and voiced support for all measures undertaken by the kingdom to protect and preserve sites of religious significance.
Calls for De-escalation and International Action
The UAE called on Israeli authorities to halt actions that could contribute to further instability and deterioration of the situation. The Ministry stressed that such incidents violate international legitimacy resolutions and existing agreements, warning that continued provocations risk deepening regional tensions.
Both the UAE and the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the urgent need for greater international engagement to prevent further escalation and preserve peace and stability.
The UAE further urged the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at creating a credible political horizon for peace. It reiterated its support for a comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution and in accordance with international law.
Renewed Support for Palestinian Statehood
In their statements, both parties reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s aspirations for self-determination and statehood. The Muslim Council of Elders stressed the importance of achieving a just solution that guarantees Palestinian rights, while the UAE emphasized the need for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state as the foundation for lasting peace.
The latest condemnations come amid ongoing concerns over tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s holy sites, with regional and international actors warning that repeated incidents at Al-Aqsa Mosque could further complicate efforts to achieve stability and a lasting political settlement in the region.
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