Arab ministers condemn Israel's 'illegal' violation of Al-Aqsa

Arab foreign ministers yesterday denounced Israel’s recent “illegal” violations in Jerusalem.

The ministers met in Cairo after the Israeli government implemented increasingly restrictive measures at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

The ministers called on the US and the United Nations to get involved to ease tensions and for Israel to stop the violations.

They also urged Israel not to close the gates of Al-Aqsa and consider its historic and legal status.

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Expressing a need to implement the resolutions of the UN and UNESCO, which affirmed Al-Aqsa Mosque as an Islamic site dedicated to worship and an integral part of the World Heritage Sites, the ministers demanded the US intervene to re-establish security and ease tensions. They warned that the situation could erupt at any moment if the matter is not resolved.

Palestinian Muslims have been praying in the streets outside the mosque complex’s ancient walls since 14 July, in protest to intrusive Israeli measures which they deem a change to the status quo and part of Israel’s Judaisation policies.

A decision to return to the mosque was announced after a meeting of the Waqf Council of Jerusalem’s top Islamic figures.

It followed a night of street celebrations by thousands of Palestinians who claimed a victory as Israel removed metal detectors and advanced surveillance systems it had setup at the entrances to Al-Aqsa.

Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Abu Gayt attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )

Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )

Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )

Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Abu Gayt attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations on Al-Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on 27 July 2017 [Ahmed Gamil/Anadolu Agency]

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi in Cairo, Egypt on 27 July, 2017 [Ahmed Gamil/Anadolu Agency]

Foreign Minister of Bahrain Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on 27 July 2017. [Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency]

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )

Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki attends the Arab Foreign Minister’s meeting which is held to discuss Israeli violations and restrictions on Al Aqsa Mosque, in Cairo, Egypt on July 27, 2017. ( Ahmed Gamil – Anadolu Agency )