(AFP FILE PHOTO / HASSAN MOHAMED)
The Arab League held an emergency meeting in Kuwait on Sunday to discuss a range of regional topics, including the recent “attacks in Jerusalem, especially those on Al-Aqsa mosque,” according to a Monday statement by the Arab League Council.
During the meeting, the Arab League claimed the “Arabism of Jerusalem” and called for the international community to make a move to stop “Israeli violations”. The pan-Arab international organisation condemned the repeated incursions at Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli security forces and the fact that worshippers were prevented from entering the site.
The council stated that it holds Israel accountable for repercussions following the incursions which could affect security and stability in the region.
Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, was stormed by Israeli police forces on 13 October, while worshippers were praying. An Israeli police spokesman claimed the raid took place because protesters inside the mosque were using the site to organise a riot.
Tensions have remained high since, with intermittent clashes continuing to flare over the past three weeks. Israel has repeatedly restricted access to the mosque, allowing only Palestinians above the age of 50 to enter, while right-wing Israeli activists made a point of continuing to visit the site and mumble prayers. The site on which the mosque is built – known to Jews as Temple Mount – is considered the holiest site in Judaism.
Under Israeli law, Jews are allowed to visit the Al-Aqsa complex but are barred from praying there, to avoid conflict with Muslim worshippers.
Commenting on the Al-Aqsa crisis, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned what he called “Israeli provocations” in the holy sites of Jerusalem.
Sunday’s Arab League meeting also addressed the recent militant attacks in North Sinai. A militant attack on 24 October killed at least 30 members of the Egypt’s armed forces.
The final Arab League statement further emphasised that all Arab nations should undertake efforts to cut the sources of funding of “terrorist organisations”.
