Syrian President Bashar Assad
Photo: Reuters
Syria: Israel wants to destroy al-Aqsa Mosque
Foreign Ministry in Damascus slams Jewish state's activities on Temple Mount as part of 'scheme to Judaize Jerusalem'
The Syrian Foreign
Ministry has denounced Israel's "blatant
violation of the sanctity of al-Aqsa Mosque," following the recent wave of riots in
Jerusalem.
A Syrian news agency further quoted the official as saying Israel's actions were "a crime against Arab history and heritage and against Muslims' holy places."
In an official statement released Monday, the ministry said that "(Damascus) believes the Israeli security forces' invasion of al-Aqsa was part of Israel's scheme to Judaize Jerusalem and destroy the mosque."
Jerusalem Tensions
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The official expressed his support and gratitude to the "brave men" who rallied to the compound's defense, and urged the international community to denounce Israel's actions.
Syria's censure joins that of Jordan: On Sunday, Amman urged Israel to prevent both security forces and extreme rightists from entering the Temple Mount compound.
The Hashemite Kingdom's State-run news agency warned Jerusalem that such "provocations" were hazardous to the peace process.
