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'Zionist regime's insult of al-Aksa foremost problem for Muslims,' Khamenei says

By REUTERS

SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 20:48

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced Israel on Wednesday for what he called its "insult" to Jerusalem's Al-Aksa mosque in connection with Israeli actions at one of Islam's holiest places.

Israeli-Palestinian strife has risen sharply in recent weeks as Arab states and Palestinians have accused Israeli forces of violations at the mosque.

"The Zionist regime's crimes in Palestine and repeated insult of the sacred sanctuary of the al-Aksa Mosque ... are the foremost problem for Muslims," Khamenei was quoted as saying by his official website.

Khamenei described Israeli behavior towards Palestinians as the "ultimate degree of ruthlessness and evil."

Israel captured the site when it seized East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East War. It left al-Aksa under the religious control of Muslim authorities, but Palestinians fear that control is being eroded by increasing visits by Jewish groups.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said last week that Israel was committed to maintaining the status quo and that Palestinian "rioters" would not be allowed to prevent Jews visiting the area. Jews refer to the area as Temple Mount, where an ancient Jewish temple once stood, and it is the most sacred place in Judaism.

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