Egypt condemns Ben-Gvir's plans of building synagogue in Al-Aqsa

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Aug 2024 21:47

Ben-Gvir made the controversial remarks earlier in the day during an interview published by the Israeli Army Radio.

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The flag of Egypt is pictured in Ismailia, Egypt, Wednesday, February 4, 2015. (AP)

Egyptian authorities on Monday issued a statement condemning remarks made by Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding plans to establish a Jewish synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt holds Israel legally responsible for maintaining the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and for not harming Islamic and Christian holy sites," the statement read.

The statement further emphasized that "Israel is required to comply with its obligations as an occupying power and to cease making provocative statements that could further escalate tensions in the region."

Egypt also highlighted that "irresponsible statements regarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in the Palestinian territories increase tensions and hinder efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."

Ben-Gvir's comments, the statement warned, "pose a great danger to the future of the final settlement of the Palestinian issue, which is based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, borders."

Ben-Gvir made the controversial remarks earlier in the day during an interview published by the Israeli Army Radio. "If I could do what I wanted, a synagogue would also be established on the Temple Mount," he told the news outlet.

The comments sparked widespread condemnation within the Palestinian Authority territories.

Palestinian Presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh stated that the Palestinian people will not tolerate any violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He urged the international community to take immediate steps to restrain this extremist right-wing government and compel it to respect the legal and historical status quo in al-Quds.

Ceasefire at an impasse?

It is worth noting that, contrary to the Egyptian statement claiming that provocative comments are obstructing ceasefire negotiations, Israeli statements about broader relations with Palestine have become less significant.

Mediation efforts have shifted focus following the introduction of new conditions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some of which include the establishment of a permanent Israeli military presence in the Rafah area.

As a result, the focus of diplomatic talks has moved away from direct engagement with Hamas and towards broader discussions involving security arrangements along the Egyptian-Palestinian border, particularly with Egypt over the Philadelphi Corridor.

Furthermore, the Israeli regime has expressed its determination to dismantle the primary resistance movement in Gaza. While Egypt may not prioritize the fate of Hamas, it is firmly opposed to the establishment of an Israeli military presence along its borders.