Turkey and Egypt Condemn Ben Gvir’s Assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Egypt and Turkey strongly condemned the assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque by Itamar Ben Gvir, Israeli Minister of National Security.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry described the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the extremist Israeli minister as a dangerous and provocative escalation and a blatant violation of international law and the historical and legal status of East Jerusalem. It emphasized that Al-Aqsa Mosque is entirely a place of worship for Muslims, and any attempt to change this status is null and void.

Cairo also stated that the Israeli regime has no sovereignty over the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem.

Expressing concern over the continued restrictions on worshippers, Egypt described these actions as a violation of freedom of worship and a factor contributing to increased tensions in the occupied territories. It underscored the need to respect the role of Islamic Endowments and the Hashemite guardianship in administering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also described Ben Gvir’s attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque as provocative and unacceptable, declaring that the actions of the Benjamin Netanyahu cabinet against the historical and legal identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque are rejected.

Turkey called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility to ensure free access for Muslims to Al-Aqsa Mosque and to lift the restrictions imposed on worship in East Jerusalem.

Israeli regime officials have kept Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre closed for the 39th consecutive day on the pretext of emergency and security conditions. The regime has simultaneously implemented strict military measures and imposed widespread restrictions in the area while closing the Old City.