Two Islamic bodies slam authorizing extremist Jews into al-Aqsa mosque
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/28/2003

Two Islamic organizations have slammed the permission issued by Israeli occupation forces to tourists and extremist Jews to visit, under police protection, on Aug. 20, 21 and 24 the Muslim holy mosque of Al-Aqsa in Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

The High Islamic Instance and the Waqf (endowments), Islamic Affairs and Holy Shires Council called on all international organizations concerned to assume their responsibilities and put an end to the aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest shrine in Islam after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

The Israeli move did not heed the Islamic Waqf Council as the sole authority entitled to manage the Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs.

"The move is an aggression against the Mosque, harms the sacredness of the institution and defies the feelings of all Muslims," the two bodies said, adding the aggression coincides with the anniversary of the criminal arson of the holy Mosque by the Israelis.

The two organizations renewed their rejection of the Israeli fait accompli policy and called on Arab and Muslim countries to shoulder their responsibilities and protect the holy shrine. They warned the Israeli authorities against the serious consequences of their aggression against the Mosque.