Arab officials urge action over Jerusalem tensions

Arab officials convened in Cairo on Friday to demand a coordinated international response to escalating tensions in Jerusalem, where recent clashes around the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound have resulted in dozens of injuries and heightened diplomatic friction. Representatives from the Arab League, including ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, condemned what they described as “provocative actions” by Israeli security forces and called for immediate measures to protect the holy site and the rights of Palestinian residents. The officials urged the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution calling for a halt to any unilateral changes to the status quo in the city and to facilitate renewed negotiations based on the two‑state solution framework endorsed by previous peace initiatives.

The statements came amid a broader regional outcry following Israel’s announcement of new settlement construction plans in East Jerusalem and restrictions on Palestinian worshippers during Ramadan. Arab diplomats warned that continued escalation could destabilize the fragile security environment across the Middle East and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. They appealed to the international community to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to international law and to ensure that any future actions in Jerusalem are pursued through dialogue rather than force, emphasizing the need for a durable and equitable resolution to the long‑standing conflict.