Egypt expresses deep concerns about escalation in Jerusalem

CAIRO – 14 July 2017: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson expressed on Friday Egypt's deep concerns about the violent escalations in Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday morning.

The spokesperson also warned that such events undermine the regional and international efforts to revive and resume the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

He also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and non-slip into a vicious cycle of violence and counter-violence, or forcing any measures that affect the freedom to practice religious rites in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Friday, the Israeli forces detained the grand mufti of Jerusalem (preacher), Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, and other Palestinians in Jerusalem after performing Friday prayers behind the barriers on the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Palestinians were forced to pray in the street following the Israeli forces announcement to close Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and preventing the Grand Mufti from entering the mosque from multiple entrances.

Early on Friday morning, three Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed during an armed confrontation in the Old City of East Jerusalem.

Furthermore, on Friday morning, Israeli forces killed an 18-year-old Palestinian, Baraa Hamamda, during a detention raid in al-Dueisha refugee camp in the Bethlehem, West Bank.