You are here
Sisi condemns violations at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque
By AFP - Sep 19,2015 - Last updated at Sep 19,2015
CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Saturday urged Israel to take swift measures to calm tensions around Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque after clashes this week between Israeli security forces and Palestinians.
"It is without doubt a dangerous violation of Islamic holy places," Sisi said at a press conference with EU President Donald Tusk, urging Israel to take "immediate and effective steps" to defuse tensions.
"The international community must realise the attachment of all Muslims to this place," he said, warning that the unrest could have "grave consequences for peace and stability".
The mosque, located at the site of what Jews venerate as the Temple Mount, is in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 war.
The mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred site in Judaism.
Under long-standing regulations, Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray there to avoid provoking tensions.
Palestinians fear Israel will seek to change rules governing the site, with far-right Jewish groups pushing for more access and even efforts by fringe organisations to erect a new temple.
Egypt shares a long border with Israel, and in 1979 became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with it after four wars with Israel.
Related Articles
RIYADH — Saudi King Salman has appealed to UN chief Ban Ki-moon and members of the Security Council for "urgent measures" after clashes at J
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al Aqsa Mosque compound for a second straight day Mon
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders Tuesday to "end the cycle of violence" after a sharp