PRETORIA, July 24, 2017 (WAFA) - The South African Government has expressed concern over the increased political tension due to the Israeli measures imposed against Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, according to a statement by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

“The heightened security measures with the installation of metal detectors are viewed as a means to change the status quo of the Al-Aqsa Compound as it happened in Hebron following the 1994 Ibrahimi Mosque massacre. The South African Government notes the decision of the Islamic Endowment‘s refusal to enter the holy site through the newly installed metal detectors,” it said.

“South African Government calls on the Israeli Government to adhere to the agreement it entered into with the Jordanian Government and the Islamic Endowment (Waqf) who in principle are responsible for the security within the Al-Aqsa Compound,” said the press statement.

“All parties are encouraged to refrain from action that will create more tension in an already volatile environment,” it said, urging the Palestinians and Israel “to resume final status negotiations in order for the two nations to live side-by-side, in peace, and within secure and recognized borders.”

M.K.