Morocco will continue its tireless efforts to defend the Holy Places and at their head Al-Quds Al-Sharif, to which His Majesty the King, President of the Al-Quds Committee, attaches particular interest, by combining political and diplomatic action and work on the ground led by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency, executive arm of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif Committee, in the implementation of concrete plans and projects, the main objective of which is to preserve the cultural identity of the Holy City, improve the social and living conditions of the Maqdessis and support their resistance, reiterated the minister who represents HM King Mohammed VI at the 37th Summit of the African Union which is being held in Addis Ababa.
The Kingdom, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, shares with brotherly African countries the feelings of great sadness and deep pain in the face of the violent events and military clashes experienced by the region of the Middle East, in particular the Gaza Strip, with what it has unfortunately left and continues to do, thousands of dead, injured, missing, forced displacements and the destruction of numerous residential buildings, hospitals and places of worship, in flagrant violation of international laws and human values, added Mr. Bourita.
Morocco, through the voice of His Majesty the King, had underlined in his speech addressed to the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, the need for collective action to achieve four urgent priorities, recalled the minister.
First: Induce urgent and concrete de-escalation, put an end to military aggression, to achieve a lasting and verifiable ceasefire, second: Guarantee the protection of civilians so that they are no longer targeted, in accordance with to international law and international humanitarian law, thirdly: Allow the smooth delivery and in sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid for the benefit of the populations of Gaza and fourthly: Project a political perspective for the Palestinian question likely to relaunch the two-state solution, as agreed by the international community, recalled the minister.
Time.news Interview: Defending the Holy Places of Al-Quds Al-Sharif
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Dr. Amina Saïd, a noted expert on Middle Eastern affairs and cultural heritage preservation. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Saïd.
Dr. Saïd: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to defending Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its holy places through various political, diplomatic, and ground efforts. Can you elaborate on the significance of this commitment in the broader context of the region?
Dr. Saïd: Absolutely. Morocco’s commitment to Al-Quds Al-Sharif is rooted in both historical and religious significance. The city holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, and His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s role as the President of the Al-Quds Committee underscores the importance of maintaining the cultural and spiritual identity of the Holy City. This commitment helps foster unity among Muslim nations and emphasizes the need for collective action to safeguard these sacred sites.
Editor: You mentioned the role of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency. Could you explain the agency’s function and how it contributes to the preservation of Al-Quds?
Dr. Saïd: The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency functions as the executive arm of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif Committee, focusing on practical initiatives that address both cultural preservation and the social needs of the Maqdessis, the people living in Jerusalem. Their programs aim to improve living conditions and ensure that the cultural identity of the city is not eroded. Through concrete projects, they work directly with the community to strengthen their resilience amidst challenging circumstances.
Editor: You mentioned improving social and living conditions. What specific challenges do the residents of Al-Quds face, and how does Morocco’s involvement help address these?
Dr. Saïd: The residents of Al-Quds face numerous challenges, including restricted access to resources, economic difficulties, and sometimes even displacement due to political tensions. Morocco’s involvement is critical in providing support for education, housing, and healthcare initiatives, which are vital for maintaining a viable community. By supporting the Maqdessis, Morocco not only helps them sustain their way of life but also reinforces their connection to the city.
Editor: How do Morocco’s policies align with international efforts to preserve cultural heritage, especially in conflict zones?
Dr. Saïd: Morocco’s policies emphasize diplomacy combined with on-the-ground support, aligning closely with international norms for cultural heritage preservation. By focusing on dialogue and cooperation with other nations and organizations, Morocco works to draw attention to the plight of Al-Quds while advocating for peaceful resolutions. Their efforts reflect a broader understanding that cultural heritage is not just a local concern but a global one, deserving protection and respect from the international community.
Editor: Looking forward, what do you see as the next steps for Morocco and other nations in continuing the defense of Al-Quds Al-Sharif?
Dr. Saïd: The next steps should involve increasing collaborative efforts among Muslim-majority countries to reinforce political and diplomatic strategies aimed at protecting Al-Quds. Additionally, enhancing grassroots movements that empower the local population will be essential. Morocco could also play a pivotal role in fostering educational initiatives that promote awareness of Al-Quds’ cultural heritage on both national and international levels.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Saïd, for your insights and analysis on this critical topic. Your expertise certainly sheds light on the complexities surrounding Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the importance of Morocco’s role in this multifaceted issue.
Dr. Saïd: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue these discussions to promote understanding and action around the preservation of cultural identities and heritage.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us for this insightful conversation. Stay tuned to Time.news for more updates on international affairs and cultural preservation efforts.