Head of Palestinian movement Hamas' political bureau Khaled Mashal called on Friday for carrying weapons to defend Al-Aqsa mosque, which is under frequent Israeli attacks.
"This is the true meaning of jihad," Mashal said in an interview with Safa news agency.
He pointed out that the Israeli government tries to control Al-aqsa mosque making use of the turmoil, now hitting many Arab states.
He stressed that the Arab and Islamic nations will not remain silent over the Israeli violations in the Palestinian territories.