RAMALLAH, July 23, 2026 (WAFA) – The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine condemned the dangerous Israeli escalation against the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which coincided with the so-called anniversary of the "destruction of the Temple.
Thousands of colonists stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards under the protection of occupation forces, in a serious act of aggression that included raising Israeli flags, singing the Israeli national anthem, and erecting a canopy within the mosque's courtyards.
This was a systematic attempt to impose a new reality by force and undermine the existing historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
It affirmed that such incursions were preceded by the occupation authorities' expulsion of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. This move reflects a policy of restricting Palestinian religious authorities and an attempt to create conditions conducive to colonist incursions and measures that violate the sanctity of the mosque and its religious and historical significance.
The committee stressed that these practices are not merely isolated violations, but rather part of ongoing attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and impose new arrangements on its holy sites.
It further described the incursions as a violation of international law and freedom of worship, a provocation to the feelings of millions of Muslims and Christians worldwide, and a threat to Jerusalem's status as a city of unique religious and historical significance.
The committee warned that the continuation of these escalating policies and measures, in the absence of a firm international stance, encourages further violations, threatens security and stability in the region, and undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law and the rights of peoples.
It called upon the international community, the United Nations, UNESCO, the heads of churches worldwide, and all international religious and human rights authorities to assume their moral and legal responsibilities and take immediate and practical steps to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to stop its ongoing attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites.
It also called for ensuring the protection of places of worship, preserving the existing historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, and holding Israel accountable for its continued violations of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy.
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