Al-Aqsa Violation: Morocco Condemns Israeli Escalation in Jerusalem
In a stern rebuke, Morocco has vehemently condemned the recent Israeli storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, decrying the provocative actions as a blatant violation of the sacred site's sanctity. The condemnation came from Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who addressed the issue during a press conference in Rabat on Friday.
Bourita minced no words as he criticized Israel's authorization of the controversial Flag March in the holy city, a celebration marking the 57th anniversary of Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem. The annual event, commemorating what Israel terms the "reunification" of Jerusalem, saw Israeli officials, Knesset members, and settlers marching through the Old City, culminating in the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The Moroccan diplomat condemned the incursion as a flagrant provocation that exacerbates tensions and undermines efforts to ease the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that such actions not only violate the sanctity of the revered mosque but also jeopardize the fragile efforts to establish a ceasefire, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
"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," Bourita stated emphatically, echoing the firm stance of King Mohammed VI against such provocations.
Bourita's remarks came in response to a question about the volatile situation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, following discussions with his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira. The Moroccan Foreign Minister underscored the urgency of the Israeli authorities taking necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and called upon the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and influential powers, to safeguard the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim places of worship in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
As the region teeters on the brink of further escalation, Morocco's forceful condemnation resonates as a clarion call for respecting the sanctity of holy sites and upholding the principles of peaceful coexistence and restraint.