RAMALLAH, August 21, 2026 (WAFA) — The Palestinian Presidency affirmed on Friday that the Al-Aqsa Mosque will remain at the forefront of national and religious issues, an enduring symbol of Jerusalem’s Arab and Islamic identity and a reflection of the Palestinian people’s established rights in the city and its holy sites.

In a statement marking the 57th anniversary of the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Presidency emphasized the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Haram al-Sharif , covering its full 144-dunam compound, as an exclusively Muslim place of worship.

 It stressed the need to safeguard its sanctity and preserve the existing historical and legal status quo, rejecting all attempts to undermine its status or alter its identity.

The Presidency warned of the continued violations and attacks against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, including incursions, the performance of Talmudic rituals, the raising of flags, excavations, and the imposition of restrictions on access for worshippers.

 It considered such practices as a dangerous escalation and a provocation of the feelings of Muslims in Palestine and around the world.

The Presidency stressed that the continuation of these violations against holy sites necessitates a firm and effective international stance that compels Israel to cease all its attacks and illegal measures, respect the sanctity of holy places and freedom of worship, and preserve the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and all other holy sites.

It further reiterated that East Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Palestine, that the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and that all measures aimed at altering the city's identity or imposing a new reality on its holy sites are rejected and illegitimate.

Y.S