The Mufti of Egypt has condemned the “regular and continuous abusive practices” of the Israeli occupation authorities “which violate the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque” in occupied Jerusalem. The mosque is the third holiest place in Islam, said Dr. Ali Gomaa, and he appealed to the world’s Muslims “to protect Al-Aqsa and stop Israel’s violations” there.
Speaking during a meeting with Sheikh Yusuf Juma Salamah, an Imam at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dr. Gomaa called upon the Palestinian people “to build [your] country, reject any disputes, stick to national unity, and safeguard the fabric of Palestine, especially at this critical stage in the history of the Palestinian national struggle”.
In response, Sheikh Yusuf Salamah praised Egypt’s support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people. He reminded those present of “the tolerance of Islam that urges love, co-existence, rejection of disputes and cooperation with the other without fanaticism; such manners are represented by the central curriculum of [Egypt’s] Al Azhar University”. This, added Sheikh Salamah, was reflected in last June’s Al-Azhar document, which set out a template for democracy in Egypt.