Egypt on Monday condemned the repeated and escalating violations against the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Jewish extremists under the sight of Israeli occupation forces. Egypt stressed that the continuation of such violations, restrictions to the movement of Palestinian worshippers and performance of religious rituals, and ongoing attempts to change the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, is a flagrant violation to the international law. Egypt considers that this serious escalation undermines the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue and the achievement of a two-state solution. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of the grave danger of the continuation of provocative practices in the vicinity of Islamic shrines at the Holy Haram as they increase the situation of congestion, fuel violence, and put further obstacles to efforts to resume the peace process. The Palestinian presidency on Monday condemned the Israeli occupation forces and settlers' storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, and attacking and arresting worshippers. Presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned in a statement that the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation forces and settlers would lead to more tension and violence. He also warned that the blowing of the shofar or the horn – a Jewish religious ritual – at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the sight of the occupation police is a dangerous escalation and an attempt to impose a new fait accompli. Abu Rudeineh stressed that the Palestinian people will not allow any harm to Al-Aqsa Mosque or to be desecrated in any way, holding the Israeli government fully responsible for this dangerous escalation and its repercussions.
