Egypt, Jordan condemn Ben-Gvir’s comments on building synagogue in Al Aqsa Mosque

CAIRO – 27 August 2024: Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty, and Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi emphasized on Monday evening that halting Israeli aggression in Gaza is a priority requiring collective effort, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid in a statement.

In a phone call as part of ongoing coordination, the two ministers underscored that achieving an immediate ceasefire is crucial to mitigating the severe escalation in the region, which could lead to a regional conflict.

Safadi affirmed Jordan's backing of efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to negotiate a deal that ensures a permanent ceasefire, guarantees humanitarian access, and allows for the unrestricted flow of aid to Gaza.

The spokesperson added that the ministers also discussed the dangerous Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and expressed concern over continued violations of holy sites in Jerusalem. They stressed the need to respect the legal and historical status quo of these sites, affirming that the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, covering 144 dunums, is exclusively a Muslim place of worship. The Jordanian Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs manages its affairs and regulates access.

The ministers condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli Minister of National Security’s proposal to establish a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, labeling it a violation of international law and an unacceptable provocation that demands a decisive international response. They rejected extremist policies aimed at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status through fait accompli actions.

Furthermore, Egypt and Jordan reaffirmed their support for Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty and called for adherence to Security Council Resolution 1701. Ambassador Abu Zeid added that both ministers highlighted the need for the international community and the Security Council to act against the Israeli aggression in Gaza and to advance the two-state solution based on international legitimacy.