Morocco warns Israel against imposing new status quo in Al-Aqsa

Morocco yesterday condemned Israeli police and troops who stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling on the international community to protect it “in order to avoid inciting Muslims’ feelings”, Jordan’s Al-Ghad newspaper reported.

On Sunday, a large number of Israeli police and troops escorted tens of Israeli Jewish settlers, including Israeli Housing Minsiter Uri Ariel into Al-Aqsa Mosque. They clashed with Muslim worshipers, fired tear gas and bullets wounding a number of them.

In a statement, the Moroccan foreign ministry said: “Morocco condemns this dangerous and unacceptable escalation which harms the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, paving the way ahead of controlling it and dividing it.” The statement also warned Israel of imposing a new status quo in the mosque.

“The kingdom of Morocco, whose King Mohamed VI heads the Jerusalem Committee, is following up on the situation in Jerusalem… It calls for the international community to take on its responsibilities regarding the protection of the mosque and protecting Palestinians from the Israeli aggression.”

Israel occupied West Jerusalem in 1948 and East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, in 1967. The international community does not recognise the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and considers all its changes, including the settlements, illegal.

Despite intensive and radical Israeli changes in East Jerusalem, including the expulsion of Palestinians, confiscation of their properties and violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the international community has not taken any tangible measures to deter Israel.