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Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walks past the Dome of the Rock at Haram Al Sharif, which also houses Al Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem. Image Credit: Twitter

Abu Dhabi: The UAE today strongly condemned the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque courtyard in Jerusalem by an Israeli minister under the protection of Israeli forces, Emirates News Agency WAM reported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) reiterated its firm position on the need to provide full protection for Al Aqsa Mosque and halt serious and provocative violations taking place there.

'Provocative actions'

Furthermore, the Ministry underscored the need to respect the custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over the holy sites and endowments in accordance with international law and the historical situation at hand, and not to compromise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration and Al Aqsa Mosque.

The Ministry called upon Israeli authorities to assume responsibility for reducing escalation and instability in the region.

Moreover, the Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the Middle East Peace Process, end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution, and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.