Egypt and seven other nations condemn Israeli violations at Jerusalem holy sites
via Egypt Today2 min read
The Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have issued a joint statement condemning persistent Israeli violations of the historical and legal status quo at Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian sanctities. They specifically denounced continuous incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif by Israeli settlers and extremist ministers under police protection, and the provocative raising of the Israeli flag within its courtyards. These actions were described as "flagrant breaches of international and humanitarian law" and "unacceptable provocations." The ministers reaffirmed that the entire 144-dunum area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, is the sole legal authority for managing the site. They also condemned Israel’s illegal settlement activities, including the approval of over 30 new settlements, stating these violate UN Security Council resolutions and the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The statement further condemned escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, declared that Israel holds no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories, and rejected any attempts at annexation or forced displacement. The eight nations urged the international community to take decisive steps to end Israeli escalat
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Must ReadEgyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that any agreement with Iran must address the security concerns of Arab Gulf nations, calling Iranian attacks on Arab countries "unacceptable under any circumstances." Speaking at a consultative meeting with Arab and EU leaders in Nicosia, Cyprus, El-Sisi highlighted that Arab countries' security is integral to Egypt's national security. He noted that the Iranian crisis has negatively impacted international stability, maritime navigation, and the global economy, particularly affecting energy and food security, prices, and supply chains. El-Sisi also warned of the potential risk of nuclear contamination. Egypt condemns Iranian attacks targeting Arab Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq, and advocates for a political resolution to the regional escalation to achieve sustainable stability. He stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and securing international maritime routes, and called for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, with full implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's stance that a political path is the only viable solution to the current regional escalation and the means to achieve sustainable stability. Speaking at a meeting with EU and Arab leaders in Nicosia, Cyprus, El-Sisi discussed Middle East developments and ways to reduce tensions. He highlighted the critical importance of adhering to freedom of navigation and securing international maritime routes, citing these as established principles of international law. El-Sisi also stressed that recent events underscore the necessity of peaceful dispute resolution and the establishment of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, alongside the full implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Regarding the Iran deal, the president affirmed the need to consider the security concerns of Arab Gulf nations and condemned Iranian attacks on Arab nations as unacceptable. He emphasized that the security of Arab countries is integral to Egypt’s national security, noting Egypt's efforts to contain the conflict and prevent escalation, especially in light of Iranian attacks targeting Arab Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq. El-Sisi warned that the Iranian crisis has created serious repercussions for regional stability, maritime navigation, the global economy, energy and food security, and supply chains, also raising the risk of nuclear contamination.
Since 2013, Muslim Brotherhood media outlets have engaged in "information alienation," using primitive deepfake techniques and quote-chopping to erode public trust in Egyptian state institutions. Examples include manipulating former Health Minister Dr. Hala Zayed’s 2019 statements and misrepresenting President El-Sisi’s discourse on the national railway system by circulating out-of-context clips. The group also targeted the "Sinai File," with operative Salama Al-Bass confessing to receiving foreign currency for economic surveillance and staging fake raids or protests to create inciting "documentaries" for channels in Turkey and London. The deception extended to Egypt’s "Soft Power," repurposing old interviews with actor Adel Emam to suggest "artistic suppression," and launching an economic smear campaign against the New Suez Canal, falsely labeling it a "useless bypass" and fabricating construction failure claims. Information security experts note the group's shift from "mobilizing in squares" to "mobilizing through screens," exploiting social media. However, this "digital insurgency" has been countered by public awareness and the availability of original, unedited footage on official state platforms, which has exposed the organization’s media tactics.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated on Friday that his players have lost confidence following a series of defeats, as the team prepares to face Arsenal without the injured Anthony Gordon. Newcastle has lost their last four games across all competitions, including three in the Premier League, dropping them to 14th in the standings and diminishing hopes for European qualification. Howe noted that players are not performing at their peak due to a lack of confidence and recent unfavorable results. He emphasized his role in supporting the players to help them regain their best form individually and collectively. Gordon, who has scored 17 times this season, will miss the Arsenal match due to a hip injury, though it is not considered serious. This absence adds to Howe's selection challenges, especially with record signing Nick Woltemade not featuring in recent starting lineups despite being fully fit. Howe also indicated that significant squad changes could occur in the summer if the team's performance does not improve, stressing the responsibility of players and staff to deliver their best.