GCC condemns Israeli escalation in Jerusalem

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) condemned the Israeli escalation in Jerusalem, the occupation forces' continued violation of the sanctity of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the lack of respect for the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan.GCC Secretary-General Jassim Muhammed al-Budaiwi, said in a statement Sunday that the continued incursions by the Israeli occupation forces in Al-Aqsa Mosque are a violation of the sanctities and an aggression against the first Qiblah of Muslims.He stressed that the continued infringements and attacks on sanctities in the occupied Palestinian territories is a dangerous development, and the Israeli government bears all responsibilities and consequences of fueling the situation and ignite sedition and hatred.He referred to the statements issued by Supreme Council of the GCC that affirm the GCC countries' firm position on the Palestinian cause and the holy sites as well as their support for the Palestinian people's sovereignty over all the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the establishment of the independent Palestinian State with its capital in East Jerusalem according to the Arab peace initiative and the international legitimacy resolutions.The GCC Secretary General called on the international community to take the tangible steps towards protecting the Palestinian civilians and ending the attempt to alter the legal and demographic status of Jerusalem.