Israeli measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque 'damage tolerance', insists Turkey

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday that the “radical” Israeli measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque are provocative, noting they damage “tolerance” between civilisations and religions, it has been reported. After performing his Friday prayer in Istanbul, Yildirim told reporters that Israeli restrictions on access to the Noble Sanctuary would not solve any problems.

“Implementing these measures is wrong,” he insisted. “Taking such radical measures over a [perceived] terror threat, blocking or restricting Muslims’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, will not contribute to solving any problems.”

The prime minister pointed out that the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque is sensitive to all Muslims all over the world. “I hope that in the near future everything will return to normal,” he added.

Israel army to Netanyahu: ‘Remove metal detectors from Al-Aqsa’

Israeli occupation police officers installed electronic metal detectors at the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after clashes there resulted in the death of three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen last week. Palestinian worshippers have been refusing to enter the mosque through the metal detectors, believing them to restrict their right to full and open access to the mosque, which is already threatened by the Israeli authorities.

According to the Turkish media, thousands of Turks took to the streets in several cities in protest against the Israeli measures at Al-Aqsa. A group of protesters gathered outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul where they chanted slogans denouncing Israel and promising to defend the sanctuary.

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