The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation of extremist incitement by Israeli settler organizations calling for attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, warning of the grave consequences such provocations could have for regional stability.
In a statement released on Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) denounced the calls for violence as “extremist incitement” and expressed deep concern over ongoing Israeli actions that threaten both Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The Ministry also condemned recent violations committed by Israeli authorities against Christians during Holy Saturday observances in the city, which included restricting access to churches and reports of physical assaults on worshippers. It stressed that these actions represent serious infringements on religious freedoms and could lead to further tensions in an already fragile environment.
“These repressive practices carry dangerous consequences and risk triggering further escalation in the region,” the Ministry warned, reaffirming the UAE’s call for full protection of religious sanctuaries and an immediate end to provocative violations in and around Al-Haram Al-Sharif.
The UAE further held Israeli authorities responsible for preventing a deterioration of the situation, urging them to cease any actions that could fuel unrest or destabilize the region. The Ministry reiterated its unequivocal rejection of all practices that contravene international law and threaten peace and security.
A key point in the UAE’s statement was its emphasis on the importance of respecting the custodianship role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over Jerusalem’s holy sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. It called on Israel to honor the established historical and legal status quo and not to undermine the authority of the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, which oversees the administration of the Islamic sites.
The UAE expressed its full solidarity with Jordan and pledged support for all measures taken by the kingdom to safeguard the sanctity of the religious sites.
This statement comes amid growing international concern over heightened tensions in Jerusalem, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of deep religious significance to both Muslims and Jews. Regional actors have repeatedly called for restraint and dialogue to prevent a broader outbreak of violence.
The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, has consistently emphasized the need for preserving the rights of all faiths in Jerusalem and upholding international agreements governing the city’s religious sites.
