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Reporter raises alarm over settlers at Al‑Aqsa; U.N. urges respect for status quo
Summary
A reporter said thousands of settlers entered Al‑Haram al‑Sharif/Al‑Aqsa accompanied by Israeli officials; the U.N. spokesperson urged that the longstanding status quo at holy sites be respected and called on Israeli authorities to ensure freedom of worship.
A journalist identified as Abdulhamid reported that more than 4,200 settlers and extremists had entered Al‑Haram al‑Sharif (the Al‑Aqsa compound) and prayed there, accompanied by Israeli political figures; he asked the U.N. for comment.
Abdulhamid said the incident involved Israeli security officials and Knesset members and described the development as "major." Stefan responded by emphasizing the need to uphold the status quo that governs access to and the management of Jerusalem's holy sites. "It is incumbent that that status quo be respected," the spokesperson said, adding that Israeli authorities have a responsibility to ensure that faithful of all religions can access their sites safely.
The spokesperson called the actions reported that day "very dangerous for that status quo" and urged authorities to prevent activities that could inflame tensions. The U.N. briefing did not provide an independent verification of the numbers cited by the reporter; Stefan's answer focused on the principle of protecting freedom of worship and avoiding actions that could jeopardize inter‑religious access and safety.
