Too dangerous to ignore

The UN Security Council, expressing “grave concern” about the escalating tension in Jerusalem, particularly the hostile Israeli measures against Palestinian worshippers and its widespread provocative actions in and around Al Haram Al Sharif compound, and specifically Al Aqsa Mosque, called for full respect for the sanctity of Al Haram Al Sharif.

On Friday, the UN Security Council stressed that Palestinian Muslim worshippers must be allowed to worship in peace, free from violence, threats and provocations.

While calling for restraint, and refraining from provocative actions and rhetoric, the council noted the importance of the special role Jordan has as custodian of the holy places, reconfirmed in the 1994 peace treaty the Kingdom signed with Israel.

The sanctity of the holy places in East Jerusalem is a red line; crossing it could start another Palestinian Intifada. There were already clashes in and around the site, and spirits are bound to get even more inflamed if Israel does not stop its provocations.

An important statement such as the one of the Security Council cannot go unnoticed by Israel, which has been gradually encroaching on Palestinians’ land.

The infringement on Al Aqsa Mosque, due to its religious symbolism, is too dangerous, and Israel cannot be oblivious to this fact.

His Majesty King Abdullah warned only a few days ago that continued Israeli provocations in East Jerusalem risk undermining the peace treaty between the two countries.

If it indeed values this precious treaty, Israel had better heed the advice enjoining it to refrain from further aggravating the situation.

Judging from past experiences with Israel, it not only systematically ignores and violates resolutions or statements adopted by the UN Security Council, it also maintains its policy of aggrandisement and illegal annexation of Palestinian land.

The UN needs to adopt a procedure whereby it can follow up on Israel’s action at the Islamic holy shrines in East Jerusalem and take appropriate action if need be.

Short of that, the latest council statement will go the way of all resolutions that were snubbed by Israel.