Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Egyptian Minister of Endowments, Dr. Mahmūd Hamdī Zaqzūq said that "he plans to visit Jerusalem regardless of obtaining an Israeli visa." He considers his visit to "constitute the largest support of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people," noting that he has received, over the past period, assurances from Palestinian officials and people that he is welcom there. He denounces the attacks launched against him.
 

The Minister's announcement has spurred controversy in Egypt, as the visit's opposition accuses him of "splitting the nation and grassroots organizing" and considers his visit as a normalization of relations with Israel and recognition of its control over Jerusalem.

The Minister said: "I will not give up my point of view and I am still determined to carry out this visit and I challenge those who accused me of normalization to argue with me religiously in this matter."

He added: "Didn’t the Prophet ask the infidels' permission to perform the lesser pilgrimage in the 3^rd Hegira year and idols were surrounding the Ka‘ba from all sides?"
 

He wondered: "Did the Prophet, when he decided this, want to normalize the relations with infidels and recognize their idols?"

"The Prophet, peace be upon him, wanted to assert Islam's right in the Grand Mosque, and that's what I'm trying to do by visiting Jerusalem with the change of place and time, following the example of the Prophet," he added.
 

Meanwhile, Palestinian Minister of Endowments, Mahmūd al-Habbāsh, said he invited his Egyptian counterpart to visit Jerusalem two months ago, and has received more than once his initial approval to carry out the visit, supported by clerics and officials.