Egypt strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel’s Minister of National Security, describing the move as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable provocation, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
The statement said the incident constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as an attempt to undermine the historical and legal status quo in East Jerusalem.
Egypt reaffirmed its firm rejection of such practices that infringe upon the sanctity of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing that Al-Aqsa Mosque, in its entirety, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. It added that any attempts to impose a new reality are null, rejected, and cannot be accepted.
The statement further reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.
Egypt also expressed deep concern over ongoing restrictions on worshippers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and limitations on freedom of worship, describing them as serious violations of international law that risk fueling tensions and further destabilising the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
It underscored the need to respect the historical and legal role of Islamic endowments in Jerusalem, particularly the Hashemite custodianship over Al-Aqsa Mosque, in administering its affairs and regulating access in a manner that preserves its sanctity and upholds the established status quo.
