Occupied Jerusalem, April 7 (SANA) Egypt and Türkiye condemned on Tuesday Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, describing it as a provocation and a violation of international law.
In a statement carried by the Palestinian WAFA news agency, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the move represented a “blatant violation” of international and humanitarian law and an attempt to undermine the historical and legal status of occupied East Jerusalem.
The ministry reiterated its rejection of actions affecting Islamic holy sites, saying Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and warning against attempts to alter the status quo.
It added that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, and expressed concern over continued restrictions on access to the site, which it said undermine freedom of worship and risk increasing tensions.
Egypt also called for respect for the role of Islamic Waqf authorities in Jerusalem in maintaining existing arrangements at the site.
Türkiye also condemned the move, which took place under heavy Israeli police protection, saying, “We strongly condemn the incursion of an Israeli minister into Al-Aqsa Mosque,” and adding that actions targeting the site’s historical and legal status were unacceptable.
In a statement cited by Anadolu Agency, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that ensuring access for Muslim worshippers and lifting restrictions in occupied East Jerusalem is a shared international responsibility.
Ben-Gvir stormed the compound on Monday under tight security, as Israeli authorities continued restrictions on access to the site, now in their 38th day.
Incursions by Israeli officials and settlers into the site occur regularly and have contributed to tensions in Jerusalem, often prompting Palestinian protests.
F.J./ABD
