Egypt condemned on Monday Israel’s policy regarding Al-Aqsa mosque after around 400 radical Jewish settlers stormed the premises of the mosque under the protection of the Israeli police.
Commemorating an ancient practice of the Tisha B’Av fast, extremist Jews stormed the premises of the mosque, resulting in the arrest of seven, according to Israeli media. However, Israeli police released a statement saying that the rituals of the day “went according to plan”.
Egypt, an ally of the Israeli state in the Middle East, condemned the storming, as well as the settlement policy of Israel. A statement by the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry warned against the increase in continuing “violations of religious sites”, which negatively affects the efforts of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.
The statement also highlighted Egypt’s concern about Israel’s future settlement plans, which include the building of 4,200 units west of Ramallah.
The condemnation was also echoed by Jordanian King Abdullah, who said that his country will confront “Israeli aggression”, which crystalises in allowing “Jewish extremists” to enter Al-Aqsa mosque.
The storming took place on Sunday under the observation of Israeli special forces, who intervened after minor clashes between Muslims and Jews.
A wave of violence occurred at the end of last year in the area of the mosque, which is considered the most holy site for Jews and the second holiest for Muslims.
Despite occasionally playing up aggressive rhetoric against one another, Egypt and Israel have enjoyed a cooperative relationship since the 1978 Camp David Peace Treaty that paved way for the billions of US dollars Egypt receives in ongoing aid from the United States.
