EU calls for preserving special status of Jerusalem

The European Union (EU) called yesterday for maintaining the special status of Jerusalem, warning of the consequences of any attempt to alter the current situation, amid tightened Israeli measures restricting Muslim access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

In a statement, the heads of EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah said: “The EU and its Member States recall the significance of the Holy Sites and make a strong call for upholding the Status Quo, in line with previous understandings. In this framework, worshipers need to be able to access their holy sites freely.”

“The EU and its member states also recall Jordan’s special role with respect to upholding the Status Quo and reiterate their support to the implementation of this role through the Jerusalem Waqf.”

They highlighted that church leaders in East Jerusalem had explained “the financial pressure they continue facing from local Israeli authorities through the imposition of retroactive municipal taxation on their properties, irrespective of their use, in contrast to a long-standing practice and past agreements of not taxing church properties.”

“The EU position on Jerusalem remains unchanged: the special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces and the viability of all its communities must be preserved and respected by all.”

They warned that “any unilateral attempt to change the Status Quo would have deeply destabilising effects.”

On Sunday, Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) reported that Israeli police had been placed on high alert in preparation for Ramadan, with plans to deploy 3,000 officers daily at checkpoints leading to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

As in the previous year, the police recommended that the government grant entry permits to Al-Aqsa Mosque for only 10,000 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. According to the recommendation, permits would be issued to men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to 12 years old when accompanied by an adult.

The EU statement noted that the heads of its missions visited Al-Haram Al-Sharif (Al-Aqsa Mosque) on Tuesday and met with the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem. The visit was described as part of regular exchanges dedicated to the religious and cultural diversity of Jerusalem and the Old City.

During the visit, the Waqf briefed the delegation on the latest developments and concerns, including violations affecting the current status quo. The Waqf also expressed concern over the restrictions imposed on access to Al-Aqsa during the holy month of Ramadan, which is due to begin this weekend.

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