On 25 February, EU Heads of Mission visited the Al Aqsa compound and met with the Jerusalem Waqf as part of regular exchanges dedicated to the religious and cultural diversity of Jerusalem and its Old City. They were briefed by the Waqf on recent developments and concerns on the esplanade, including violations of the Status Quo. The Waqf also shared concerns over the restrictions to access the Al Aqsa Compound during the holy month of Ramadan.

The EU and its Member States have also engaged with the heads of Churches on challenges affecting their position and the Christian communities. The Churches highlighted, inter alia, the financial pressure they continue facing from local Israeli authorities through the imposition of retroactive municipal taxation on their properties, irrespective of their use, in contrast to a long-standing practice and past agreements of not taxing church properties. They stressed how this would limit their ability to function and continue their charity and educational work. The initiation of foreclosure procedures against properties of the Armenian Patriarchate is of increasing concern.

As we approach a period of religious festivities of great importance for all three religions, including Ramadan, Easter with the Holy Fire ceremony and Passover, the EU and its Member States recall the significance of the Holy Sites and make a strong call for upholding the Status Quo, in line with previous understandings. In this framework, worshipers need to be able to access their holy sites freely. The EU and its member states also recall Jordan’s special role with respect to upholding the Status Quo and reiterate their support to the implementation of this role through the Jerusalem Waqf.

The EU position on Jerusalem remains unchanged: the special status and character of Jerusalem and its Old City, the inviolability of its sacred spaces and the viability of all its communities must be preserved and respected by all. Any unilateral attempt to change the Status Quo would have deeply destabilizing effects and must be avoided.