Muslim nations hold Israel responsible for Al-Aqsa protection

By: Abdulali

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Marking the 35th anniversary of torching Al-Aqsa Mosque in Held Jerusalem, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, OIC, said Israel will be held responsible for guaranteeing the safety of the Islamic holy sites under its authority.

In a statement, OIC said: “Israeli occupation authorities are held entirely responsible before the international community, particularly the Muslim world, for guaranteeing the protection of the holy sites under their occupation in Palestine.”

Al-Aqsa Mosque was set on fire on August 21, 1969.

The 57-member pan-Islamic body, based in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah, called on Israel to adhere to international treaties, mainly the fourth Geneva Convention and “to adopt the necessary measures against those plotting to vandalize the holy sites in Jerusalem.”

According to Israeli media reports authorities fear Jewish extremists could be planning an air attack on the mosque compound.

The OIC statement warned that harming the Al-Aqsa mosque and other Islamic sacred sites would have “detrimental consequences ... on international peace and security.”

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