JERUSALEM, August 18, 2026 (WAFA) — The Jerusalem Affairs Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s approval of a measure allowing Israeli colonists to bring full Jewish prayer books into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and conduct organized public prayers there.
In a statement issued today, Tuesday, the department said the move constitutes a serious and unprecedented escalation targeting the longstanding historical and legal status quo of the holy site.
The department stated that the measure forms part of a gradual and systematic process that begins with silent prayers and “epic prostrations” before evolving into organized, collective Talmudic rituals, which reflects an attempt to transform colonists’ incursions into organized religious practices, impose a new reality within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and ultimately undermine its Islamic identity and historical status.
The department warned that treating these measures as an "initial test" to gauge reactions reflects a dangerous disregard for Jerusalem's sensitivity and religious significance.
It added that the move risks triggering repercussions that could extend beyond the city and threaten regional stability, amid continued incursions into and attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites.
The department stressed that the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is an exclusively Islamic holy site, rejecting any attempt to impose a partnership or alter its religious and legal character.
It affirmed that safeguarding the existing historical and legal status quo is an international responsibility, and called on the United Nations, the UN Security Council, and UNESCO to adopt a clear and effective position to halt such measures.
The department concluded by affirming that the PLO will sustain its political, diplomatic, and legal efforts across global platforms to counter these policies and support the steadfastness of Palestinians in Jerusalem.
It warned that continued impunity will encourage more dangerous measures targeting the city’s identity and holy sites and undermine prospects for security, stability, and peace.
T.R.
