Qatar condemns Israeli violations of Al Aqsa mosque

Qatar has strongly condemned violating the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli police and settlers, deeply deploring the constant aggressive practices by Israel in Jerusalem.

“Israeli aggression against Muslim worshipers and the infringements that occurred in the sacred mosque… provoke Muslims and constitute severe violations of basic human rights”, the council declared in a statement.

On Monday, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in the area erupted again, leading to eight arrests and several light injuries.

Israeli police, following long-standing procedures, do not venture further into the mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine, and violence usually subsides quickly, as it did, after Palestinian demonstrators take refuge inside.

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

Family members of the dead man have rejected the Israeli account of his death, saying he was “executed” by Israeli forces, Ma’an news, a Palestinian media outlet, reported.

Ariel and the Israeli group were visiting the compound to mark the Tisha B’av, which commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples of Jerusalem, which Jews believe were located at the compound.

“I call upon all religious and political leaders to prevent extremist elements from abusing the sanctity of holy sites”, he declared.

Such worship, certain to stir Muslim anger, has been banned on the plaza by Israel since it captured East Jerusalem, and its Old City, in the 1967 Middle East war. It later annexed the city in 1980 and declared it as its capital – a move never recognized by the global community.