Arab League Secretary-General Condemns Burning of Mosque in West Bank of Palestine

JAKARTA - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi on Sunday condemned the burning of a mosque in Kur Village, in Tulkarm Province, by Israeli settlers, who also sprayed racist slogans on its walls.

In a statement, Al Budaiwi described the attack as a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as a serious violation of international conventions that protect religious places and freedom of worship, quoted from WAFA (27/7).

Al Budaiwi said the attack also provoked the feelings of Muslims around the world.

He also said the attack was part of a pattern of ongoing violations targeting the Palestinian people and their holy sites, and said the Israeli forces were fully responsible for the attack and repeated attacks by settlers.

He said continued protection and failure to act against such attacks encouraged impunity and contributed to a dangerous escalation that threatened regional security and stability.

Furthermore, Al Budaiwi called on the international community, the UN Security Council and human rights and humanitarian organizations to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities by taking urgent action to stop the violations, hold those responsible to account and provide international protection for the Palestinian people and their holy places.

He added that the continued international silence on the attacks encouraged their repetition and undermined the prospects for peace and security in the region.