Iran condemns violation of Al Aqsa sanctity by Zionist regime

Tehran, Nov 1, IRNA – Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham here Friday condemned Zionist regime of Israel’s violation of the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque (Dome of the Rock). Afkham has referred to a plot aimed at shutting down the entrances of that mosque to prevent the entrance of the Muslim worshipers, followed by Zionist townships’ dwellers’ support for that move. She has warned about the dangerous aftermaths of adopting such a measure, including the collective reaction of the Islamic countries. Afkham has also asked the regional societies not to remain silent about this treacherous act of the Zionist regime and act to defend the “dear Al Aqsa Mosque”. Clashes erupted Friday between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in East Jerusalem following the weekly prayers, eyewitnesses said. Israeli forces fired stun grenades and teargas to disperse the Palestinians near the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, according to the witnesses, Anadolu news agency reported. Similar clashes were reported in the Shuafat refugee camp in the city. The fresh violence came amid rising tension in the holy city following the shooting of an extremist Jewish rabbi on Wednesday. Following the shooting, Israeli police killed a Palestinian man for allegedly shooting the rabbi and closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, triggering clashes with Palestinian protesters in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Israeli authorities reopened the compound on Friday, but decided to impose fresh restrictions on access to the site, allowing only male worshippers aged 50 and above and women of all ages into the Al-Aqsa Mosque./end