EU warns against provocation at al-Aqsa Mosque
The European Union has expressed concern about an escalation of violence in the al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied East al-Quds (Jerusalem), saying provocation could turn dangerous in the holy site.
European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said Tuesday that an escalation in violence in the holy site could further intensify ongoing clashes as both Muslims and Jews, who view the mosque as sacred, are bracing for important religious days.
“The reported violence and escalation (at the site) constitute a provocation and incitement” Kocijancic told reporters in Brussels, calling for “calm and restraint and full respect for the status quo of the holy sites.”
More than 200 Israeli soldiers stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque for a third straight day on Tuesday and blocked all roads leading to the holy site. They also attacked Palestinian worshipers inside the mosque, firing stun grenades and tear gas at them. The Israeli troops also attacked al-Qibla Mosque in al-Quds, burned its gate and broke its windows.
The EU had warned earlier that any change in the status quo in al-Aqsa Mosque would have deeply destabilizing impacts.
Violence can spread, UN warns
Meanwhile, a UN envoy also warned Tuesday that clashes in al-Aqsa could trigger more widespread violence in the region.
"As the Middle East faces a vicious tide of terror and extremism, such serious provocations have the potential to ignite violence well beyond the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem (al-Quds)," UN coordinator Nickolay Mladenov said in an address to the Security Council.
Governments and international organizations have fiercely criticized Israel’s attacks on the Palestinian worshipers, with Jordan warning that the continuation of attacks could put relations with Israel at stake.
Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site for Muslims while Jews, who call the place the Temple Mount, respect it as their holiest.
The Tel Aviv regime has tried to change the demographic makeup of al-Quds over the past decades by constructing illegal settlements, destroying historical sites and expelling the local Palestinian population.
Palestinians say there is a secret plan by the Israelis to change the rules governing the al-Aqsa, so that the Jews, who are currently banned from praying inside the mosque, could worship there. Israel has denied such plans but keeps attacking Muslims who come to the holy place to practice their religion.
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