The Minister of Middle East Affairs at the British Foreign Ministry, Tariq Ahmad, Baron Ahmad of Wimbledon, visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem accompanied by senior Waqf officials and reiterated “Britain’s unwavering support for the alleged custodian of the holy places in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the importance of maintaining the status quo,” the British Foreign Ministry announced. The Temple Mount is the Jewish people’s ancient and holiest site.
Lord Ahmed also met with the PA Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Malki, in Ramallah, and emphasized Britain’s commitment to the “Palestinian people”, and the importance of bilateral relations.
Lord Ahmed expressed his country’s concern about the recent acts of violence that cause instability in the “occupied Palestinian territories”, as he said, and emphasized Britain’s willingness to support any dialogue between the Palestinian Authority and the Israelis.
The British Consulate General in Jerusalem tweeted, “As a Muslim, he had the opportunity to pray in the mosque.”
Muslims deny that basic right to Jews on the Temple Mount.
Lord (Tariq) Ahmad himself tweeted it was, “An honor and privilege to spend time at the holy Al Aqsa Mosque this morning with the Director of Jerusalem Waqf Department Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib. I emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for Jordanian Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and for the Status Quo.”
An honour & privilege to spend time at the holy Al Aqsa Mosque this morning with the Director of Jerusalem Waqf Department Sheikh Azzam Al Khatib.
I emphasised the UK’s ?? unwavering support for Jordanian Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites & for the Status Quo. pic.twitter.com/8Q1LM4qqsm
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) January 12, 2023
The British minister arrived in the region for a visit that began on Wednesday and will last for several days. This is his first visit since taking up his position.
The director general of the Waqf office in Hebron, Nidal Al-Jabri, on Thursday briefed Lord (Tariq) Ahmed, and the accompanying delegation, about “the suffering of the citizens as a result of the Israeli occupation and the repressive measures in the Old City and the Cave of the Patriarchs.”
