More GCC countries have condemned plans to evict Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem as violence continues to soar in the city.
Israeli Police forces clashed with Palestinians over the weekend at the Haram Al Sharif, where Islam’s third holiest place and site Al-Aqsa mosque is located.
Dozens of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood are being evicted in their homes by Jewish settlers.
Saudi Arabia denounced Israel’s measures to evict dozens of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem and impose Israeli sovereignty over them.
The UAE, which normalized its relations with Israel early this year, strongly condemned the violence and incursions of Israel.
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UAE Minister for State Khalifa Al-Marar called on Israel to assume their responsibilities in line with international law to provide necessary protection to Palestinian civilians’ right to practise their religion, and to prevent practices that violate the sanctity of the holy Al Aqsa Mosque”.
Oman also rejected the move to displace Palestinians in the city and reaffirmed “its steadfast position in supporting the legitimate rights to establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah II called on Israel to stop its attacks and to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law.
“Israel as the occupying force carries responsibility for protecting rights of Palestinians in their homes,” Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Al Safadi said.
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On Tuesday, Israeli Police gave a greenlight to the provocative Jerusalem Day Parade which is held annually to celebrate Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country firmly rejects pressure not to build on Jerusalem. He says he won’t allow violent unrest over the planned evictions of Palestinians from homes claimed by Jewish settlers.
Netanyahu has vowed to restore order while the Supreme Court appeal against the eviction has been postponed.
Meanwhile, the US has expressed its deep concern and urges Israeli authorities to approach residents with compassion and respect. (RA)
