Jerusalem Mufti calls on Muslims to unite to protect Al-Aqsa

Grand Jerusalem Mufti Sheikh Ekrima Sabri yesterday called for Muslims to unite in order to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and the other Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that the Israeli occupation is exploiting the bloodshed in the Arab world to increase its violations against Jerusalem, the Anadolu Agency reported.

“We have previously called for Muslims and Arabs to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque but no one paid attention to our calls,” he said in a statement.

“The position of the Arab and Islamic governments does not match the level of the challenge despite the convention of the OIC summit in Jakarta and Istanbul,” he added.

“The occupation uses the unstable situation in the region, which directly and indirectly serves it. Therefore, Muslims and Arabs have to put their differences aside and unite. We hope that Turkey leads the nation to regain our glories.”

Sabri noted that the Israeli Jews provoke the feelings of Muslims and Arabs as they take pictures and shoot videos of their violations and post them on social media.

“They are provoking and defying us,” he said. “They tell us and the world that they are able to carry out their plans without any objections.”

“The Israeli occupation puts restrictions on Palestinians visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque and prevents them from staying there. It criminalises staying inside the mosque.”

He hailed the Turkish stance and support for Al-Aqsa Mosque and the worshipers there, thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Since last October, Israeli Jewish settlers have stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque more regularly, especially during Jewish holidays.