Egypt Support Coalition warns against silence towards Al Aqsa

CAIRO – 21 July 2017: The head of the Egypt Support Coalition, Mohamed al Suwidi, demanded international and local communities to act in response to Israeli violations against Palestinians and to “save Al Aqsa from the Judaizing practices,” in a Friday statement.

“This huge escalation is contradicting with the peace efforts taken in the region. These practices will not achieve the Israeli goals inside Palestine, but will increase Palestine’s determination to face the occupation forces valances.” Salah Hassan Allah, a coalition spokesperson said Friday.

Al-Azhar demanded the international community take a firm stance regarding recent violations of Al Aqsa Mosque. The official statement issued Thursday warned of the continuous violations that have been taking place, “which provoke the feelings of Muslims around the world and threaten the region’s stability.”

“We refuse all of the provocative measures the Israeli side has taken against the Palestinian prayers, which lead to the Injury of Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, former Mufti of Palestine and preacher of Al Aqsa Mosque,” the statement, issued by the most prestigious Islamic authority, read.

On July 14, Israeli authorities decided to close the mosque and prevent Palestinians from praying there, which was considered a huge escalation. The closing of Al Aqsa for the first time since 1969 was condemned internationally, but the mosque remains closed.

Several clashes have taken place since then between Palestinians and Israeli forces close to Bab Al-Asbat, one of the mosque’s doors, and hundreds have been injured.

The Israeli violations have taken place regularly every week, as no one allowed to enter or pray at the mosque under the age of 50, which prevents a large number of Muslims from praying.

The mosque was stormed more than once since 2011 by the Israeli occupation forces and the settlers. Two Intifadas (intensified Israeli–Palestinian violence) took place due to several violations and arrests. The first one was between September 1987 and 1993, and the second was between 2000 and 2005.

Al Aqsa mosque in the old City of Jerusalem is considered as one of the holiest Islamic places, after The Great Mosque of Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (the Prophet's Mosque) in Saudi Arabia.