Vice President and Mufti Address Rising Tensions at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Gaza: Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh on Sunday discussed the latest developments in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque with Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, head of the Supreme Fatwa Council and preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The meeting, which took place at the Vice President's office in Ramallah, focused on escalating Israeli measures targeting Islamic holy sites and religious institutions. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Al-Sheikh stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts at all levels to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and preserve its religious, historical, and legal status, as well as to confront Israeli measures in Jerusalem. He stated that such measures do not alter the fact that Jerusalem and its holy sites are an integral part of the territory of the State of Palestine. Al-Sheikh condemned the Israeli government's exploitation of wars and tensions in the region to impose new realities on the ground in Jerusalem and alter the existing status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque. He warned that continued policies of this nature could have serious consequences for security and stability in the region. Al-Sheikh praised the national and religious role of the Palestinian Dar al-Ifta and its educational and spiritual efforts to promote religious awareness, moderation, and tolerance, and preserve social security and civil peace. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti briefed the Vice President on the latest developments at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Israeli measures and practices targeting the mosque, its worshippers, and its religious authorities. He stressed the need to continue national, religious, and diplomatic efforts to protect the mosque, preserve its identity and status, and confront attempts to impose a new reality in Jerusalem.