Germany expresses concern over Israel's Al-Aqsa Mosque raids

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) – Germany’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed concern over the Israeli raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, but refused to condemn the act.

Asked repeatedly at a press briefing whether he would explicitly condemn the Israeli actions, ministry spokesperson Christofer Burger merely said that “last night’s riots on the Temple Mount, Haram Sharif, were of concern” to Germany.

He urged all sides to “do everything possible to calm down the situation,” saying the protection of civilians should always be the priority.

On the other hand, the German Central Council of Muslims denounced the Israeli raids and attacks on worshippers.

“We condemn any use of force and call on the Israeli security forces, together with the guardians of the Holy Place, to do everything possible to ensure that this tense situation does not escalate any further,” the Berlin-based group said in a statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli police said they detained 350 Palestinians from the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.

A group of Palestinians barricaded themselves in the Al-Qibli Prayer Hall in the complex after Jewish settlers called for a raid on the mosque.

Israeli forces and Jewish settlers frequently carry out raids on the mosque.

In response, the Israeli police smashed windows and deployed flash charges, tear gas, and rubber bullets against the worshippers.

For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents Islam’s third-holiest site, while Jews call the area Temple Mount.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community.​​​​​​​