Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the decision by the government of Israel to close access to Al-Aqsa mosque; and whether they intend to raise the matter at the European Union Council of Ministers.

The temporary closure of the Temple Mount/Haram al Sharif compound on 30 October has added to the growing tensions in East Jerusalem. There is a serious risk of escalation and further violence. Along with international partners, including other EU Member States, we will continue to press all sides to de-escalate and protect the status quo, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely in the run up to the Foreign Affairs Council later this month.