Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Photo: Reuters
Turkey's Erdoğan urges all Muslims to 'embrace the Palestinian cause'
Speaking at a parliamentary symposium on the Israeli capital in Istanbul, the Turkish president called on all Muslims to 'protect Jerusalem.'
ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged Muslims to defend the Palestinian cause, striking a tough stance on Israel despite improved ties between the two nations.
The president of majority Muslim Turkey said Tuesday "it is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace the Palestinian cause and protect Jerusalem" and that safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be left to children armed with nothing but stones. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount is sacred to Muslims and Jews.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Photo: AFP)
Speaking at a parliamentary symposium on Jerusalem in Istanbul, the Turkish leader also criticized an Israeli proposal to make mosques reduce the volume of loudspeakers issuing the call to prayer.
His comments come as Israel and Turkey prepare to exchange ambassadors as part of a reconciliation deal.
