TURKISH PRESIDENT CONDEMNS ISRAELI ATTACK ON AL-AQSA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, Monday, September 15, 2015. (Photo: AA)

Ankara, 1 Dzulhijjah 1436/15 September 2015 (MINA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israeli forces for storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in east Jerusalem.

Erdogan expressed his grief over the incident during a phone conversation with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, sources at the Turkish presidency said.

According to the sources, Erdogan was also briefed about the latest tension in the region, Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The Turkish president said that Turkey would highlight the issue in the international community.

Dozens of Palestinians were injured Monday after Israeli security forces attacked Muslim worshipers inside occupied East Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to witnesses.

Also on Sunday, several Palestinians were injured when Israeli soldiers forced their way into the flashpoint mosque complex and used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse Muslim worshipers.

Scores of extremist Jewish settlers — led by Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel and backed by dozens of Israeli police and soldiers — also forced their way into the mosque compound Sunday.

For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the world’s third holiest site. (T/P001/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)