Egypt urges Israel to avoid escalation in Jerusalem

CAIRO – 19 July 2017: Egypt warns Israel of the consequences of violence in Jerusalem after Israel’s decision to increase security measures in Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry Wednesday morning.

Imam Ekrima Sabri was injured from rubber bullets during clashes that took place after evening prayers Tuesday, state of alert was declared in the mosque’s area, Al-Arabiya reported Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the new security measures included installing metal detectors, cameras and closing off the mosque for Friday prayers, an unprecedented act since Israel’s occupation of Palestine in 1967.

Muslims in Jerusalem refused to enter the mosque in protest of the new security measures, which resulted in several Palestinian civilians being injured within the past week.

Egypt urges Israel to respect Muslims’ freedom of worship and to respect Palestinians’ right to practice their religion in peace, the statement added. Also, additional security measures might hinder a peaceful solution.

On July 16 Israeli forces re-opened the mosque for worshipers after banning Muslims from performing Friday prayers on July 14, following armed clashes in its yards that left three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen dead, according to MENA.