Mufti calls for the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque from Israeli attacks

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”.

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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.