Top Iraqi Cleric Slams Arab Rulers’ Silence on Israeli Desecration of Al-Aqsa
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The secretary general of Iraq’s Association of Muslim Scholars decried the silence of some Arab states on recent Israeli attacks against Palestinians in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and said their inaction proves their closeness to the Zionist regime.
“Undoubtedly, al-Aqsa Mosque, as the first Qibla (the direction that should be faced when praying) of Muslims, has a special sanctity in the hearts of Muslims,” Sheikh Foad Kazim al-Miqdadi said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency.
“For this reason, it is also considered a religious symbol for Muslims and according to Sharia (Islamic law) and the religion, a stance should be adopted (by Muslims) about (Israel’s desecration of) it,” he added.
Miqdadi further pointed to the silence of some Arab rulers and Muslims on the Israeli attacks on the mosque as well as their attempts to normalize relations with the Zionists and said, "These regimes are the puppets of the Westerners.”
He also underlined that “any silence” reflects that these rulers are in cahoots with the Zionist regime of Israel.
Several Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured in recent weeks amid mass protests over new Israeli security measures at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
At least 3,000 Israeli police and border police units had been deployed to the area, according to a police spokesman.
Israel tightened its grip on the compound after two Israeli security officers were killed in an alleged attack by three Palestinians, who were killed by Israeli police following the violence.
Over the past week, there have been daily demonstrations and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians.
