The Arab league condemned on Monday what is described as “Israeli violations” after worshipers were banned to perform prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as enforcing the electronic security gates.
In a statement published by the Arab League, after an emergency meeting to discuss the violence in the occupied lands, the Arab League warned against inciting a “religious war”, “which is being done through Israel’s security policies that aim to enforce the Jewish identity in Jerusalem.”
Since Friday, Israeli forces closed the area around Al-Aqsa mosque, evacuated it from worshipers, and banned prayers. Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police left several injured. On Friday at noon, the Israeli forces ordered the closure of the areas surrounding Al-Aqasa Mosque after three Palestinian gunmen opened fire and shot dead two Israeli policemen. The gunmen were shortly killed afterwards.
The escalation by Israel was described by the Arab League as “an attack on the rights and beliefs of the Palestinian people as well as the Arabic and Islamic communities.”
During the session, Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Gamal Al-Shobky said, “The right wing government in Israel is waging a war against the Palestinian people,” according to a statement from the Palestinian embassy.
On Monday and Tuesday, dozens of Palestinian worshipers have prayed outside the mosque in protest of the Israeli step of deploying electronic search gates.
Also on Sunday, extremist Jews stormed the premises of the mosque, according to Wafa news agency.
On Friday, Egypt expressed its concern about the violence in the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning it will impact the peace process, as well as affect reviving efforts and negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
Last August, a similar storming by extremist Jews took place under the observation of Israeli special forces, who intervened after minor clashes between Muslims and Jews. Following that, a wave of violence occurred in the area of the mosque, which is considered the most holy site for Jews and the third holiest for Muslims.
