League of Arab States condemns Israeli escalation against Palestinian people and holy sites

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States strongly condemned the incursion into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by an Israeli government official and a group of settlers under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces.

It reaffirmed its categorical rejection of any infringement upon the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic holy sites, or any attempt to alter their existing historical and legal status.

It also stressed the need to respect the Hashemite custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The General Secretariat also condemned the continued incursions, raids and arrest campaigns in Palestinian cities and towns, including the arrests, searches, damage to homes and assaults against residents taking place in the town of Biddu, northwest of Jerusalem, It emphasised that these practices constitute a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law and international humanitarian law.

The General Secretariat further rejected the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers and the prohibition of the call to prayer, reiterating its rejection of any measures that infringe upon freedom of worship or seek to alter the status of holy sites.

It called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities by bringing these violations to an end, providing protection for the Palestinian people and their holy sites, and preserving the existing historical and legal status in Jerusalem, thereby contributing to preventing further escalation, promoting de-escalation and stability, and advancing a just and comprehensive peace.