Islamic leader condemns Israeli actions against al-Aqsa

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, condemned Israel’s recent assault on the al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) and stated the organization's committment to bringing the issue to the United Nations General Assembly, currently meeting in New York, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported. The most recent Israeli violation of the Mosque was on September 18, when IOF soldiers entered the compound, firing teargas at Palestinian worshipers and prevented worshipers, including women and children, from entering the compound.  Clashes followed. Ihsanoglu stated that the Islamic world will not stay passive in the face of Tel Aviv’s desecration of the holy site, and he called on UNESCO, UN Security Council, the international community and the OIC member states to act on their responsibilities to ensure international peace. Earlier this month, IOF soldiers fired stunt grenades at Palestinian protesters in the Mosque’s compound, attesting 15 people. The al-Aqsa compound is a highly contested area because of its significance to both Jews and Muslims. Know as the Temple Mount, it is the holiest site in Judaism.  It is Islam’s third holiest site.  Jews are not permitted to pray inside the compound.