The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called in the Israeli ambassador to express its discontent over recent provocative actions taken by Israeli forces and settlers towards Muslims at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex located in occupied East Jerusalem.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that it had summoned Yossi Shelley, Israel’s ambassador, to convey Abu Dhabi’s firm objection to “shameful actions and violations against Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the surrounding Muslim Quarter.”
The ministry emphasized its condemnation of “the incidents occurring in Jerusalem and at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly the assaults on civilians and intrusions into sacred sites that have led to injuries among civilians.”
“Such provocative and arbitrary actions foster serious incitement against Muslims and represent a blatant disregard for the sanctity of the holy city,” it added.
The UAE urged the Israeli government “to take full responsibility, denounce these aggressive acts, hold all involved accountable, including ministers and officials, and implement immediate measures to prevent the exploitation of Jerusalem for violent and extremist agendas.”
The UAE cautioned that any inaction from Israel would be interpreted as tacit approval of these violations, which would exacerbate “hatred, racism, and instability.”
On Monday, far-right Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with over 2,700 settlers, invaded the holy mosque compound to commemorate Israel’s takeover of the city’s eastern portion after the 1967 Six-Day War.
They displayed flags of the occupying regime and engaged in Talmudic rituals within the courtyards of the mosque as part of their celebrations for what is termed Jerusalem Day.
Each year, Israeli settlers observe this occasion by marching through the streets of Jerusalem and its occupied Old City, including areas predominantly inhabited by Arab residents, towards the Western Wall.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam.
According to an agreement made between Israel and the Jordanian government following the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967, non-Muslim worship in the holy compound is prohibited. However, this ban often goes unobserved, leading to a challenging environment for Muslims.