The European Commission’s chief foreign affairs spokesman, Peter Stano, said the European Union is closely following the situation in the West Bank and Tel Aviv, as well as the current moves of the new Israeli government. the steps taken against the holy places against the backdrop of the recent visit of an Israeli minister to Al-Aqsa.
Stano called on all parties to reduce escalation, tensions and clashes, and to refrain from any steps that could increase tensions.
Shadi Othman, spokesman for the office of the European Union representative in Jerusalem, told Sputnik today: “The European Union reaffirms the importance of maintaining the status quo of holy places, and we are watching for actions that contradict this, as they contribute to increased tension in Jerusalem. and in the territories. Occupied Palestinians.
Othman added that there has been a dangerous increase in stress and injury in recent weeks. It is important to stop the escalation and avoid any actions and provocations that escalate these tensions.
Othman conveyed the European Union’s call to “all actors on the ground and in the region to exercise calm and restraint to prevent any escalation.”
In addition, Arab and Islamic reactions condemned Itamar bin Gvir’s movements.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed the kingdom’s condemnation of “the provocative actions carried out by an Israeli official who stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque”, emphasizing its “firm stance in support of the Palestinian people”.
The UAE also strongly condemned the Israeli minister’s actions, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirming in a statement its firm position on “the need to fully protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and stop its dangerous and provocative violations.”
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry described the visit as “an unprecedented provocation and a serious threat in the arena of conflict.” Jordan called the Israeli ambassador to protest. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not comment on the visit at the first cabinet meeting. “The Biden administration has made it clear to the Israeli government that it opposes any move that could damage the status quo in the holy places,” US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nedis said in a statement.
With regard to the State of Kuwait, a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs states: “This invasion, which constitutes a provocation of Muslim sentiment and a violation of relevant resolutions of international legality, is taking place as part of the ongoing efforts by the Israeli occupation authorities to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its shrines.”
The White House deemed that any move that would change the status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem would be “unacceptable” following a visit by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“The United States strongly supports … maintaining the status quo while respecting the holy sites in Jerusalem,” US presidential spokeswoman Karen Jean-Pierre said.
“Any unilateral move that threatens the status quo is unacceptable,” she added. For his part, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid tweeted: “This is what happens when a weak prime minister is forced to hand over responsibility to the most irresponsible person in the Middle East and the most volatile place in the Middle East. East.”
