Muslims, Arabs warn of turmoil if al-Aqsa harmed; UN help asked

By: Sultan Ahmed

JEDDAH/CAIRO: The world’s largest body of Islamic nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference has warned on Tuesday against any attack on Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque by Jewish extremists.

The Jeddah-based organization said in a statement that reports of Jewish extremists threatening to destroy one of Islam's holiest shrine were “extremely and serious.”

“Any damage to the Aqsa mosque will inflame the anger of Muslims everywhere and lead to widespread disturbances whose consequences for international peace and security cannot be predicted,” OIC said in a statement issued at its Jeddah headquarters.

“The Israeli government will be responsible for any aggression since it is the occupying authority which must protect places of worship,” it said.

The statement comes after Israeli Security Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, citing intelligence reports, said there was a growing threat of a Jewish ultra-nationalist attack on the mosque complex known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and revered by Jews as Temple Mount.

OIC reminded Israel it is “duty bound to protect holy places in line with international treaties.”

On Monday, the Arab League appealed to the United States and the United Nations to help prevent alleged plots by extremist Jewish groups to attack the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

“There are 24 Israeli extremist groups that are planning to attack and destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” said Mohamed Sobeih, Palestinian delegate at the Arab League, during the opening speech of a four-day conference in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Israeli police barred Jews from entering the Temple Mount in the annexed Old City for fear of unrest during commemorations for the historic destruction of the first and second Jewish Temples.

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