Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Israeli minister's incursion into the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in a statement on Thursday. Israel's far-right national security minister stormed into Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site on Thursday morning, threatening to disrupt Gaza ceasefire talks. The Palestinian WAFA news agency quoted witnesses as saying that Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed into the Jerusalem hilltop compound of al Aqsa Mosque accompanied by Israeli police. It's the third time for Ben-Gvir to storm into Al Aqsa after two similar encounters on July 27 2023, and May 22 2023. Egypt also condemns the Israeli Knesset's resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, a move Egypt deems a clear defiance of international legitimacy and peace process frameworks. Egypt expressed concern over these actions, describing them as serious and irresponsible. The Ministry highlighted that such provocations, including assaults on the Gaza Strip and repeated incursions into the West Bank, appear to be a deliberate effort to inflame emotions and escalate tensions not only among Palestinians but also among Muslims and people worldwide. The Egyptian government called on Israel to respect the existing legal and historical status in Jerusalem, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is regarded as a purely Islamic endowment. Additionally, Egypt urged international parties to fulfil their responsibilities in protecting Palestinian rights, respecting Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Islamic and Christian holy sites, and putting an end to repeated Israeli violations. Reaffirming its commitment to a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, Egypt continues to advocate for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
