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Patriarch Theophilos III. Published by WAFA (Palestinian News & Information Agency)
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JERUSALEM, Thursday, July 27, 2023 (WAFA) – Patriarch Theophilos III, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, said today that "any attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered a direct attack on the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and a flagrant violation of the freedom of worship and the sanctity of holy places."

Patriarch Theophilos III said in press a statement that "the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the exclusive property of Muslims alone,” affirming the role and right of Jordan as guardian over the Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem.

He stressed that “preserving the status quo is necessary to ensure stability in the region and respect for sanctities,” and that “any breach of this status quo requires concerted efforts to deter it.”

Patriarch Theophilos III called for non-interference in the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its sanctity, so that Muslim worshipers could perform their religious rituals in peace and free of any obstacles or attacks.

Earlier today, Israeli Jewish supremacist Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Jerusalem, along with dozens of other extremist settlers, under heavy protection from the Israeli occupation forces.

M.N