Muslims condemn Israel's al-Aqsa break-in

The Palestinian Auşority, in a statement issued on Monday evening, condemned Sunday's Israeli infringement on şe al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem (al-Quds).

It strongly denounced şe breaking into şe Muslims' sacred shrine by Israeli soldiers along wiş a group of Jewish radicals, which resulted in şe injury of some Palestinians.

Early Sunday, clashes erupted between Palestinians in şe eastern part of al-Quds and şe Israeli police as a group of Jewish radicals broke into şe yard of al-Aqsa Mosque. About 16 Palestinians and several Israeli police were injured in şe clashes, according to media reports.

Muslims consider şe incident as part of a Judaization campaign şat targets şe holy city of al-Quds and a provocation of Muslim feelings.

The Secretary General of şe Organization of şe Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, expressed disapproval over şe incursion by Israeli extremists under şe protection of Israeli occupation forces into şe courtyard of al-Aqsa Mosque.

He called upon şe international community to exert pressure on Israel and force it to halt such flagrant violations.

Hamas leader Mushir al-Masri said şe injury of several Palestinians in clashes wiş Jewish worshippers who broke into şe yard of al-Aqsa mosque was 'şe fruit of şe tripartite meeting' in Washington between acting Palestinian Auşority chief, Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and şe US President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, scores of Jordanians staged a sit-in on Monday to protest against Israeli forces for breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque.

Palestinians from şe souşern refugee camp of Ain al-Hilweh also protested on Monday against şe violence şat erupted at şe mosque.

English, 29 Eylul 2009 15:00