Cairo on Sunday condemned what it described as a continued Israeli escalation in the occupied West Bank, citing repeated settler incursions into Al‑Aqsa Mosque under Israeli police protection and new restrictions on Palestinian movement.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry rejected recent statements by Israeli officials that called for an expansion of operations in the West Bank and for measures that could undermine the Palestinian Authority. It urged an end to unilateral and escalatory actions and called for respect of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem.
Egyptian position on Jerusalem and Palestinian statehood
In the statement, Cairo reiterated its long‑standing stance that the status of Al‑Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites must be preserved. It reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Context of rising tensions
The condemnation came as tensions rose in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The Palestinian presidency also warned on Sunday of increasing incursions into Al‑Aqsa Mosque and tighter restrictions on worshippers. Egypt’s remarks echo previous joint statements with other Arab states on protecting the holy sites and preventing further violence.
Egypt called on all parties to refrain from actions that could further destabilise the region and urged the international community to support efforts toward a negotiated two‑state solution.