The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the Israeli Prosecution’s decision and request; on behalf of the Chief of Israeli Police, Roni Al-Sheikh, to issue an order to completely close Bab al-Rahma building in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In a statement, the Ministry said that the Israeli occupation authorities continue their attempts to change the historical and legal situation in Al-Aqsa Mosque gradually, to absorb any possible reactions.

“The Ministry affirms that Israel is not entitled; as an occupying, aggressor, and terrorist state as it’s defined in accordance to international law, to distort and change the status quo of the mosque, its facilities, and surroundings, as it has no moral or legal right to issue judgments or decisions on behalf of the authority responsible for Islamic endowments,” statement said. “We are aware that these provisions are political waiting for the appropriate timing to pass, aiming at changing the status quo, and removing the Islamic institutions which are responsible of actively protecting Al Aqsa and other sanctities, in an attempt to confiscate the role and functions of Islamic endowments, and implement their plans of Judaizing Al-Aqsa mosque and rebuild the alleged (Temple).”

The Ministry considered the decision of the Israeli police to be a dangerous escalation that will have catastrophic repercussions on the ground, and calls for a strong and immediate reaction by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, not only holding emergency meetings or issuing statements, but also demanding Member States to take serious practical steps and commit themselves to implementing a direct action plan based on cutting off the ties with the occupying state; in which it attacks the holy sites in general and Al-Aqsa Mosque in particular on a daily basis.

On the other hand, the Ministry calls upon the specialized international institutions and organizations, especially the United Nations, to continue to raise and adopt this issue and to defend and protect its relevant resolutions. The Ministry also stresses the importance of completing and maintaining successful coordination with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, due to the unique bilateral relationship and the historical responsibility of his majesty, King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein as the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Source: PNN