Egypt condemns deadly settler attack in West Bank, closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque

CAIRO – 8 March 2026: Egypt has strongly condemned recent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank and the continued closure of the Al‑Aqsa Mosque, warning that such actions threaten regional stability.

In a statement on Sunday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the settlers’ assault against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

The ministry said the incidents represent “a dangerous escalation of violence targeting civilians” and constitute “a flagrant violation of international law.”

Egypt also reiterated that Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal and a clear breach of international law.

Three Palestinians were killed and seven more were injured during an Israeli settler attack in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh said on Sunday.

Violence in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has surged since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023 and has continued despite the ceasefire currently in place in the enclave.

At least 1,043 Palestinians have been killed in the territory by Israeli troops or settlers since the war began, according to an AFP tally based on figures from the Palestinian health ministry.

In the same statement, Cairo condemned the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli authorities and the prevention of worshippers from accessing the site for several consecutive days.

It said the measure represents a clear violation of the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem.

Egypt warned of the risks posed by continued escalatory policies and measures, saying they could undermine security and stability across the region.