JERUSALEM, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 (WAFA) - The Islamic Waqf (Endowment) Council, which is in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Muslim holy places in Jerusalem, denounced the intentions and plans of extremist Israeli minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, to change the historical status quo at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as a flagrant violation and a blow to the most basic historical and religious rights of all Muslims.

In a statement, the Council expressed grave concern over recent reports circulating in various media outlets regarding Ben-Gvir’s intentions to change the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, warning against such provocative calls and abhorrent and irresponsible plans that would drag the region into further escalation, while efforts are being undertaken by the region and the world’s countries amidst very critical circumstances to de-escalate the situation, stop the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Islamic Waqf called on all countries of the world and the region to intervene urgently to prevent these plans, stressing the need to preserve the long-standing religious, historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as an exclusive place of worship for Muslims only.

T.R.