A Muslim woman walks past Dome of Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound following a ceasefire reached between Iran, Israel and the United States. in Jerusalem's Old City. AP
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said the incident represents a “blatant breach” of international humanitarian law and an unacceptable escalation that fuels tensions and undermines efforts to restore calm.
Cairo reaffirmed its complete rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, stressing the need to respect the sanctity of Islamic and Christian holy places.
Egypt also urged the international community to assume its responsibilities in halting repeated Israeli violations and practices that risk further escalation and diminish prospects for de-escalation.
The statement reiterated Egypt’s firm position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state along the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound early Tuesday under heavy protection from Israeli occupation forces.
Local Palestinian sources said dozens of settlers entered the mosque’s courtyards, raised Israeli flags, and performed what they described as provocative Talmudic rituals inside.
The sources added that groups affiliated with the so-called “Temple Mount” movement have circulated calls urging settlers to storm Al-Aqsa and raise Israeli flags in its courtyards, particularly next Wednesday, under the pretext of what they refer to as “Independence Day.”
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