Jerusalem:The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. These actions include intensified military measures, closures, and restrictions on the movement of Palestinian citizens, which coincide with Jewish holidays. The Arab League specifically criticized the escalation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and alleged attempts to alter its status.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, the General Secretariat expressed grave concern over recent statements by the Jerusalem District Commander of the Israeli occupation police. These statements discussed a trial to bring Jewish prayer books into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, raising fears about the potential introduction of other religious items and books. Such developments are seen as highly dangerous, threatening to establish new practices within the mosque and alter its historical and legal status quo.
The statement further condemned the increased military measures by Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank. This includes the closure of roads, gates, and checkpoints, which obstructs Palestinian movement and access to workplaces and places of worship. These actions are particularly concerning given the ongoing closures in several Palestinian governorates.
The General Secretariat also warned against using the Jewish holidays as a pretext to escalate activities and violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This includes recent incursions, the performance of religious rituals, and the introduction of prayer items into its courtyards, alongside restrictions on Palestinian worshippers' access.
The Arab League called on the international community, especially the Security Council, to fulfill its responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt all actions violating Palestinian rights, freedom of worship, and the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.