The Arab League warned on Saturday that the occupied city of Jerusalem is facing “unprecedented challenges” targeting its land, identity, holy sites, and population.
The statement comes as dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection, amid rising tensions in the city.
Arab League Calls for Strengthening Palestinian Resilience
Fayed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League and head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories sector, stressed that supporting Jerusalem’s residents requires strengthening:
– Development projects
– Economic initiatives
– Social programs
He said such efforts are essential to enable Palestinians to remain in their city.
Development as a Tool of Resistance
Speaking at a meeting of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund Board of Trustees in Istanbul, Mustafa described the fund as a practical model for translating Arab and Islamic solidarity into tangible projects.
He emphasized that development in Jerusalem is not merely economic, but also a means of preserving cultural and national identity.
Key priorities include:
– Education
– Healthcare
– Entrepreneurship
– Community empowerment
Arab League Reaffirms Position on Jerusalem
The Arab League reiterated its position that Jerusalem is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories and the capital of the State of Palestine.
Mustafa affirmed continued support for Arab, Islamic, and international efforts aimed at protecting the city and preserving its Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity.
He also called for stronger international partnerships involving development institutions, private sector actors, and donors to achieve sustainable impact.
Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
In a separate development, the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem reported that dozens of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
According to the statement, 110 settlers entered through the Mughrabi Gate, conducted tours inside the compound, and performed what were described as provocative religious rituals in the eastern area.
Restrictions on Worshippers
The incursions were carried out under heavy Israeli police protection, which also imposed strict restrictions on Palestinian worshippers entering the mosque.
The Waqf warned that such actions represent a serious escalation and a violation of the sanctity of the holy site.
Rising Tensions in Jerusalem
Al-Aqsa Mosque has seen increasing incursions by settlers in recent periods, contributing to heightened tensions in Jerusalem.
These developments have raised concerns over:
– Religious freedoms
– Preservation of holy sites
– Stability in the city
Key Points
– Arab League warns of unprecedented threats to Jerusalem
– Calls for strengthening Palestinian resilience through development
– 110 settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
– Restrictions imposed on worshippers
– Ongoing escalation in occupied Jerusalem
Conclusion
The Arab League’s warning and the latest developments at Al-Aqsa Mosque highlight growing tensions in Jerusalem. As challenges intensify, calls for international support and protection of the city’s identity and holy sites continue to grow.
