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Rabat – Morocco has strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli government officials, Knesset members, and Israeli settlers during Jerusalem Day celebrations.
In a press conference held in Rabat on Friday, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita expressed the country’s firm stance against Israel’s authorization of the Flag March in occupied Al-Quds.
Bourita highlighted that such actions exacerbate tensions and violate the sanctity of the religious site.
In addition, he denounced the actions as provocative and undermining efforts for peace in the region in the wake of international efforts to establish a ceasefire, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The storming of the mosque occurred as Israelis marked the 57th anniversary of Jerusalem Day, during which they commemorated what they term the “reunification” of East Jerusalem with West Jerusalem.
Celebrated annually on the 28th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, Jerusalem Day marks the capture of East Jerusalem, including the Old City and its holy sites, by Israeli forces during the Six-Day War in June 1967.
Read also: Jerusalem Day: Al Maghariba Gate Closed After 1,184 Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
However, the event is viewed differently by Palestinians and much of the international community, given the context of Israeli occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories.
The Moroccan Foreign Minister stressed that these Israeli provocations exacerbate hostilities and “undermine efforts to ease tensions in Gaza.”
Bourita made the statement in response to a question about the situation at the Al-Aqsa mosque following discussions with his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira.
The FM stressed that “the Kingdom of Morocco strongly condemns the Israeli authorities’ authorization of the Flag March in occupied Al-Quds, and the resulting restrictions on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque imposed on worshippers.”
He noted that King Mohammed VI has also expressed strong opposition to such provocations, particularly in light of the Israeli aggression in Gaza and the rising civilian death toll.
Bourita emphasized the need for Israeli authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such acts from recurring. He concluded by calling on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and influential powers, to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim places of worship in the city of Al-Quds.
