The United Arab Emirates has formally summoned Israeli Ambassador Yossi Shelley to protest what it called “shameful and offensive” actions by Israeli authorities and extremists at Al-Aqsa

Mosque and Jerusalem’s Old City.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incidents — which took place during Jerusalem Day — as “serious provocations and incitement against Muslims,” accusing Israel of violating the sanctity of one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Abu Dhabi expressed deep concern over what it described as repeated violations by Israeli extremists, warning that such actions fuel hatred, escalate violence, and threaten regional stability. The UAE called on Israel to assume full responsibility, hold perpetrators accountable — including officials — and stop exploiting Jerusalem for political or religious purposes.

The UAE also emphasized the importance of respecting Jordan’s custodianship over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. It insisted that the status quo must be preserved and not undermined.

Stressing that Jerusalem should remain a symbol of peace and coexistence, the UAE urged all nations to safeguard religious sanctities and uphold international law. It warned that failure to act against such provocations could be interpreted as implicit approval. Photo by boubakar, Wikimedia commons.