Players from Saudi Arabia's national soccer team travelled to Jerusalem's Old City on Monday to pray at one of Islam's holiest sites.
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The players visited the Noble Sanctuary, a compound that houses the Golden Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest shrine in Islam.
"This is the most beautiful day in my life," said Yasser Al-Mishal, the president of the Saudi Football Federation.
"Really, it's hard to express my feelings. I thank God that I could visit al-Aqsa mosque and pray inside the mosque."
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Members of the Palestine Football Federation welcome Saudi Arabia's national football team in Ramallah, Oct. 13, 2019
(Photo: AFP)
The Dome of the Rock is built where Muslims believe the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven. Jordan has custodianship of the holy sites.
Captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, the site is considered the holiest site for Jews, the location of the two biblical Temples, and is known as the Temple Mount.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas receives a T-shirt from the Saudi Football Federation chief Yasser Almisehal during a meeting with the Saudi Arabia national football team in Ramallah, Oct. 13, 2019
(Photo: EPA)
It is the emotional epicenter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The compound, which overlooks the Jewish holy site of the Western Wall, is a frequent flashpoint for Palestinians and Israeli security forces.
The Saudi players are due to face the Palestinian national team in the West Bank on Tuesday for a World Cup qualifying match.
Their arrival comes after approval from Israel.