ABU DHABI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday summoned Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Amir Hayek over Israel's recent "offensive violations" against the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
The ministry denounced the Israeli move as a serious provocation against Muslims, a flagrant breach of the sanctity of the site, and a threat to religious harmony and international peace, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency.
Repeated attacks by Israeli extremists amount to a systematic campaign not only against the Palestinian people but also the broader international community, the ministry said, urging the Israeli government to take full responsibility and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The ministry reaffirmed support for Jordanian religious authorities in managing the site under a decades-old arrangement, and stressed the need to protect religious sites, and respect international law and the long-standing historical status quo.
Media reports indicated that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, joined by Israeli settlers, "stormed" the compound on Monday. This marked Ben-Gvir's seventh visit to the site since joining Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in 2022.
The compound, a frequent flashpoint for violence, is revered by Muslims as a noble sanctuary and by Jews as the site of two ancient temples.
Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the site but are prohibited from praying there under the current status quo. Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist politician, has long advocated for expanded Jewish access to the compound. ■
