Israel’s intensification of its aggressive acts in recent weeks against Haram al-Sharif, one of the holiest places of the Islamic World, in Jerusalem led to a dangerous escalation. In this atmosphere, we are also particularly concerned by the attacks against the places of worship in the region and we strongly condemn these attacks.

On the other hand, Israel has decided to build 200 new housing units in an illegal settlement in East Jerusalem. We can never accept such steps which are contrary to the international law and we condemn them. The ongoing illegal settlement activities of Israel in East Jerusalem do not serve any purpose other than escalating the tension further in the region.