Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
Photo: AFP
Egypt condemns heritage site list, J'lem clashes
Senior diplomatic source tells Ynet that Egypt is concerned over potential flare up that could result from Israel's recent actions, both in national heritage site list and in recent events at al-Aqsa Mosque
Egypt joined a long list of countries that condemned Israel's decision to include the Cave of the Patriarchs and Rachel's Tomb in its list of national heritage sites. A senior diplomatic source reported Tuesday to Ynet that Egypt issued its formal protest of Israel's national heritage site list and the recent events at the al-Aqsa Mosque.
The source said that Egypt is concerned about potential conflagrations that could result from Israel's recent conduct, both regarding the heritage sites and the clashes in Jerusalem.
The diplomat also said that Egypt does not comprehend Israel's recent conduct that has increased tensions in the region as large efforts are being put forth to return the Israelis and the Palestinians to the negotiating table.
Similar statements were made from Jerusalem's eastern neighbor. Jordan's King Abdullah said during his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman that the international community must take immediate steps to protect the holy sites in east Jerusalem from unilateral Israeli moves.
According to him, Israel's moves seek to alter Jerusalem's identity and constitute a dangerous provocation that threatens all efforts invested in achieving regional peace.
Jordan's official news agency, Petra, reported that during the meeting with Abbas the Jordanian king warned against "the dangerous consequences of provocative Israeli moves and acts of aggression against the al-Aqsa Mosque – moves which Jordan condemns."
