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.
Palestine *
Algeria
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Syria *
Tunisia
