UAE Condemns Israeli Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Christian Holy Sites
Key Developments
- The UAE strongly condemned Israeli calls for the demolition of Al-Aqsa Mosque and police assaults on Christians during Holy Saturday celebrations in Jerusalem.
- The Foreign Ministry demanded:
- Full protection for Islamic & Christian holy sites
- An end to “serious and provocative violations” at Al-Aqsa
- Respect for Jordan’s custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites under international law
- Warned that attacks on worshippers risk regional escalation.
Escalating Tensions at Holy Sites
- AI-generated video (titled “Next Year in Jerusalem”) circulating on extremist Hebrew platforms depicts Al-Aqsa being bombed and replaced by a “Third Temple.”
- Daily incursions by Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa compound since 2003, violating longstanding agreements.
- Christians barred from churches, physically assaulted during Holy Saturday, fueling interfaith tensions.
Background: Al-Aqsa & Jerusalem’s Status
- Al-Aqsa Mosque: Islam’s third-holiest site; Jews call it the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient temples.
- East Jerusalem: Occupied by Israel in 1967, annexed in 1980—a move unrecognized internationally.
- Jordan’s custodianship: Historically manages Al-Aqsa affairs, but Israeli restrictions increasingly undermine its role.
UAE’s Diplomatic Push
- Called for international pressure to revive two-state solution talks.
- Urged global community to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Why It Matters
- Al-Aqsa is a flashpoint—any major disruption could trigger wider religious conflict.
- UAE’s rare public criticism of Israel signals growing frustration despite normalized ties (2020 Abraham Accords).
- Christian persecution adds new dimension, risking broader backlash from global churches.
What’s Next?
- Will Jordan or other Arab states take stronger action?
- Could extremist settler movements provoke a larger crisis?
- Will the U.S. or UN intervene to restrain Israeli policies?
The situation remains highly volatile, with religious, political, and regional stability at stake.