EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem/Ramallah release a statement expressing serious concern at the increased risk of escalation in and around Holy Sites.
Church leaders also highlighted threats to Christian heritage by Israeli authorities: financial pressure, municipal taxes (Arnona), restrictions on freedom of movement for worshippers, settler violence, takeover of Church lands, hate crimes, and barriers for West Bank teachers reaching Christian schools in East Jerusalem.
Full statement: eeas.europa.eu/delegations/pa
Local EU Statement by the Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah
On 3 February, EU Heads of Mission visited the Al Aqsa compound and met with the Jerusalem Waqf, as part of the EU’s regular engagement dedicated to the preservation of the religious, cultural and historical diversity of Jerusalem and its Old City. The Heads of Mission were briefed on recent developments on the Al Aqsa compound, including serious concerns regarding violations of the Status Quo and restrictions on access, particularly in the context of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
As Jerusalem approaches a period of major religious observances of profound importance for Muslims, Christians and Jews alike, the European Union reiterates its strong call for the full respect and preservation of the Status Quo at the Holy Sites, in line with established understandings. Worshippers of all faiths must be able to access their respective holy sites freely, safely and with dignity. In this context, the EU and its Member States recall Jordan’s special role with respect to upholding the Status Quo and reiterates its full support for the implementation of this role through the Jerusalem Waqf.
The EU and its Member States are continuously engaging with the heads of Churches in Jerusalem. At a meeting on 6 February, the Churches highlighted several threats to Christian heritage in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, including financial pressure from local Israeli authorities, imposing municipality taxes, restrictions on freedom of movement for worshippers, incidents of settler violence and takeover of Church lands, hate crimes against people of faith and some impediments to access of teachers from West Bank to schools in East Jerusalem.
The EU and its Member States express serious concern at the increased risk of escalation in and around the Holy Sites. Any actions, provocations or unilateral measures to change or undermine the Status Quo would risk triggering far-reaching and deeply destabilising consequences and must be avoided.
The EU position on Jerusalem remains unchanged. The special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces, and the rights and viability of all its communities must be preserved and respected by all. The EU calls on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, prevent provocations, and take the necessary steps to ensure calm, protection of worshippers, particularly during the forthcoming religious festivities, including for Ramadan, Passover, Easter, the Orthodox Easter Holy Fire ceremony.