26/02/2025 (Agence Europe) – In the run-up to major religious festivities, the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, visiting the Esplanade of the Mosques in Jerusalem, on Wednesday 26 February, called for free access to worship areas for worshippers of all faiths. The diplomats heard the concerns of the Waqf (the Muslim foundation administering the city’s Islamic holy sites) about the recent “restrictions to access” the Esplanade. They also met with the heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, who are concerned about the retroactive taxation imposed by the Israeli authorities, which limits their social and educational activities. “Any unilateral attempt to change the Status Quo would have deeply destabilising effects and must be avoided”, warned the delegation, while recalling the special role of Jordan, custodian of the holy sites, in upholding this compromise. (JM)