OIC condemns attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, has condemned the siege imposed by Israel on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Israeli forces’ attack on worshippers. Ihsanoglu also condemned Israel for allowing Jewish extremists to enter the mosque and wander around freely.

The Saudi-based OIC said in a press release on Wednesday that the attack targeted one of the dearest and most sacred sites of the world’s 1 billion Muslims. Such action, said the organisation, requires the world to confront Israel and prevent this sort of thing happening again. The Secretary General added that he holds Israel responsible for any and all repercussions from its irresponsible actions.

The OIC also called on Muslims around the world to be alert regarding such attacks and damage to the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa. It noted that it is unlikely that Muslims will stay silent on this issue.

Calling on UNESCO, the UN Security Council and Muslim-majority states to fulfil their responsibilities for international peace and security, the OIC reminded Israel of its own responsibilities for stopping attacks by extremist Jews which increase tension in the region.