Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Cleric calls on Palestinians to keep praying at Al-Aqsa

Maan News Agency

Published today 19:02
JERUSALEM (Ma'an) -- Chief Islamic judge Sheikh Yusef Ideis called on Palestinians to keep praying at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the anniversary of an attempted arson of the holy site.

The cleric said the fire, which was set by an Australian in 1969, was a criminal attack that aimed to establish biblical gardens in the courtyards.

He said that today Israeli authorities want to build a Jewish temple on the site, and that Israeli political statements and practices on the ground show that the mosque is in danger.

The mosque is for Muslims and Jews have no right to enter it, he added in a statement.

Ideis urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to urgently hold a summit to address Israeli threats against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The Al-Aqsa compound, containing the mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood.

Some in the far right in Israel propose building a "Third Temple" at the site.

No comments:

Post a Comment