The United Arab Emirates has issued a firm condemnation of recent Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem, including provocative calls for the demolition of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and violent assaults on Christian worshippers during Holy Saturday. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incidents as grave violations capable of worsening tensions across the region and destabilising efforts toward peace.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Emirati government called for the immediate cessation of what it termed “serious and provocative violations” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, urging full protection of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The UAE also reaffirmed its support for Jordan’s historical custodianship over the city’s sacred landmarks, calling for respect for international legal frameworks and the status quo that grants the Jerusalem Endowment Administration authority over the affairs of Al-Aqsa.
The statement further denounced the recent assaults on Christians during Holy Saturday observances, which reportedly included restricted access to churches and acts of physical violence. The ministry warned that such arbitrary and inflammatory actions could lead to further unrest, deepen existing divisions, and trigger a dangerous escalation in the region.
The UAE called on the international community to intervene with urgency, stressing the need to revive meaningful political dialogue aimed at a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. It reiterated its support for a two-state solution based on established international law and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Of particular concern was the circulation of a disturbing AI-generated video titled “Next Year in Jerusalem” on extremist Hebrew platforms, which depicts the bombing of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its replacement with what is referred to as the Third Temple. The UAE condemned the dissemination of such inciteful content, warning that it fuels religious hatred and undermines regional stability.
Since 2003, Israeli authorities have allowed settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa compound almost daily under heavy security, a practice seen by Palestinians and many in the Muslim world as a provocation and breach of the delicate status quo. Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in East Jerusalem, is the third-holiest site in Islam, while Jews refer to the surrounding area as the Temple Mount, believed to be the site of ancient Jewish temples.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and later annexed the city in 1980—a move that remains unrecognised by the broader international community.
The UAE’s latest remarks reflect growing frustration among Arab and Muslim nations over what is seen as Israel’s increasing disregard for religious freedoms and international obligations, especially in one of the most sensitive and contested areas in the Middle East.