Iran Condemns Recent Israeli Attack on Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque

15 April 2014 | 20:38 Code : 1931532 Latest Headlines

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham strongly condemned the recent attack by the Israeli security forces on Palestinian worshipers in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in al-Quds (Jerusalem).

On Sunday, the Israeli security forces once again attacked Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in al-Quds (Jerusalem). The clashes erupted when police prevented Muslims from entering one of the compound's gates.

"The Al-Aqsa mosque is in the hearts of Muslims and the wicked efforts made by by the Zionist regime to desecrate this holy site will be useless," Afkham told reporters on Monday.

The new clashes took place after Palestinian activists said that Israeli officials have unveiled the model of a Jewish temple near the al-Aqsa Mosque Compound.

In recent months, Israeli forces and extremist settlers have stepped up their attacks on Palestinians visiting the mosque. This has led to violent confrontations between the two sides.

The Israeli regime has also imposed severe restrictions to prevent Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque.

The activists say the model of the so-called third Jewish temple has a big hall and can accommodate hundreds of visitors each day.

The al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and heritage says the move is a direct threat to the mosque.

Palestinian groups have already warned of large-scale Israeli excavations near al-Aqsa’s southern gate.

On February 25, the Israeli parliament, Knesset, discussed a plan to annex al-Aqsa Mosque Compound.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned the debate as a “dangerous escalation” calling it part of Israel’s goal to “Judaize Jerusalem”.

Palestinians have also warned against Israeli plans to impose “sovereignty” on the al-Aqsa Mosque.

The al-Aqsa compound, which lies in the Israeli-occupied Old City of al-Quds, is a flashpoint. The compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism. It is Islam’s third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

tags: al-aqsa mosque al-aqsa mosque