ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the statements made by an Israeli minister on building a synagogue inside the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, and reaffirmed the need for Israel to respect the historical and legal status of the city of Jerusalem.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), reaffirmed the UAE’s firm position on the need to provide full protection for Al-Aqsa Mosque, and halt serious and provocative violations taking place there. Furthermore, the Ministry emphasised the need to respect the custodial role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over the holy sites in accordance with international law and the historical status, and not to compromise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration that manages the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Ministry also expressed the UAE’s full solidarity and support for all measures implemented by Jordan to protect and preserve sites of religious significance.

Source: Emirates News Agency