Egypt condemns raising of Israeli flag at Al-Aqsa compound

Egypt on Tuesday condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag inside its courtyards, warning that such actions fuel tensions in the region and undermine efforts to restore calm.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemns the storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by settlers under the protection of Israeli police, and the raising of the Israeli occupation flag in its courtyards”.

It described the incident as “a blatant violation” of international law and international humanitarian law, an unacceptable provocation to the feelings of Muslims worldwide, and an escalation that risks inflaming tensions and undermining efforts to de-escalate and restore stability.

Egypt stressed its complete rejection of any attempts to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The statement called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop repeated Israeli violations and put an end to practices that increase tensions and weaken prospects for calm.

Egypt also reaffirmed its firm support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as part of a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian issue.

Earlier on Tuesday, settlers raised the Israeli flag during a raid on the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem, under police protection.