Egypt Condemns Israeli Minister’s Al-Aqsa Mosque Visit, Warns of Escalation

Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the visit of Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Wednesday, denouncing it as a provocative act under the protection of Israeli police forces.

In an official statement released following the incident, the ministry expressed Egypt’s deep concern over what it described as an inflammatory action that disrespects the sanctity of religious sites and stokes tensions among Muslims worldwide.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its full rejection and condemnation of the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel’s National Security Minister under the protection of Israeli police," the statement read. "This is an unacceptable provocation and an incitement that deeply offends the feelings of Muslims around the world, particularly during the sacred occasion of Eid al-Fitr."

Egypt further reaffirmed that any Israeli actions altering the status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque are both illegal and illegitimate, emphasizing that the site is a place of worship solely for Muslims. The ministry described Israel’s latest actions as "a blatant violation of international law" and a "serious threat to regional stability."

"Egypt warns against the consequences of persisting with such provocative and reckless measures, which threaten to inflame tensions and undermine the legal and historical status of Jerusalem’s holy sites," the statement continued.

Moreover, the ministry called on the international community to take decisive action against Israeli violations, warning that failure to curb such acts would further fuel widespread anger and potentially lead to a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Egypt stressed that the ongoing lack of accountability for Israel’s actions could have grave repercussions on regional and global peace and security.

The condemnation comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Palestinian and Arab leaders repeatedly criticizing Israel’s policies toward Jerusalem’s holy sites. Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, has long been a flashpoint in Israeli-Palestinian relations, with previous visits by Israeli officials sparking widespread unrest.

Egypt, which has historically played a mediating role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting religious sanctities and maintaining peace, urging Israel to respect international agreements and avoid further provocations.