The leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, Sheikh Raed Salah, has warned that the Israeli regime is working out dangerous plans for the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Old City of East Jerusalem al-Quds, and intends to raze the sacred site. Rasa - Speaking at an online seminar organized by the Jerusalem al-Quds Commission of the Ankara Civil Society Platform (ACSP), Sheikh Salah said that the Tel Aviv regime’s schemes started with the occupation of the holy city back in June 1967, and the first assault on the al-Aqsa Mosque compound took place shortly afterwards.
The Palestinian official further noted that Israeli assaults have continued on a regular basis ever since, and are now characterized by settlers – guarded by Israeli military police – who break into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound to perform acts deemed provocative by Palestinians.
“There is a consensus [among all Israeli political parties] on maintaining the occupation of the city in an attempt to isolate al-Aqsa Mosque and then destroy it,” Sheikh Salah pointed out.
He said Palestinians have stood with steadfastness against all Israeli plots, stressing the need for awareness-raising in the Muslim world to keep people abreast of what is happening in occupied Jerusalem al-Quds and the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Sheikh Salah emphasized that he is determined to continue defending al-Aqsa Mosque irrespective of all Israeli attacks on him.
“Whatever the cost will be, we won’t cease defending al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.
The al-Aqsa Mosque compound sits just above the Western Wall Plaza and houses both the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque.
Palestinians have repeatedly warned of Israeli attempts to change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam.