Jerusalem:The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States has strongly condemned the escalating Israeli activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. These activities are characterized by heightened military measures, closures, and restrictions on Palestinian movement during the Jewish holidays, along with significant escalations at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Arab League highlighted concerns over revelations by the Jerusalem District Commander of the Israeli occupation police about a trial to introduce Jewish prayer books, known as Siddur, into Al-Aqsa Mosque. Discussions are reportedly underway about possibly allowing other religious items and books, which the Secretariat describes as a dangerous development that could alter the mosque's historical and legal status quo.
The Arab League also condemned the increased military measures in the occupied West Bank, which include the closure of roads, gates, and checkpoints, severely limiting Palestinians' movement and access to workplaces and places of worship. This situation is particularly acute during the ongoing closure of roads in several Palestinian governorates.
The statement warned against using the Jewish holiday period to intensify incursions and violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Recent incidents have involved incursions, religious rituals, and the introduction of religious items and prayer books into the mosque's courtyards, coupled with restrictions on Palestinian worshippers' access.
The Arab League called on the international community, and specifically the Security Council, to take responsibility and pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to cease measures that infringe upon Palestinian rights, freedom of worship, and the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.