Pakistan condemns storming of Al-Aqsa compound
Pakistan's envoy to UN says actions like disruption of Easter celebrations undermine peace, heighten tensions.
The compound of Al Aqsa mosque was stormed by extremists in Israel. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound by extremists in Israel, Radio Pakistan reported.
At the United Nations Security Council session on the Middle East, Pakistan's permanent representative Masood Khan voiced concerns of reports from Israel.
He said debate in the Israeli Knesset on annexing Al-Haram Al-Sharif and provocative actions like disruption of Easter celebrations undermine peace, heighten tensions and further destabilise the region.
Khan termed the occupation of Palestinian lands by the Israeli forces as illegal.
Two weeks ago, clashes had broken out at one of the holiest sites for Islam outside Saudi Arabia, when security authorities had opened its gates to non-Muslims, including some Jews who allegedly began praying. Under Israeli law, Jews are not allowed to pray within the compound of Al-Haram Al-Sharif but can visit.
As a result of the scuffle, several Palestinians were injured.
The move has drawn strong ire from the Muslim world with many other countries joining in condemnation.
At the United Nations Security Council session on the Middle East, Pakistan's permanent representative Masood Khan voiced concerns of reports from Israel.
He said debate in the Israeli Knesset on annexing Al-Haram Al-Sharif and provocative actions like disruption of Easter celebrations undermine peace, heighten tensions and further destabilise the region.
Khan termed the occupation of Palestinian lands by the Israeli forces as illegal.
Two weeks ago, clashes had broken out at one of the holiest sites for Islam outside Saudi Arabia, when security authorities had opened its gates to non-Muslims, including some Jews who allegedly began praying. Under Israeli law, Jews are not allowed to pray within the compound of Al-Haram Al-Sharif but can visit.
As a result of the scuffle, several Palestinians were injured.
The move has drawn strong ire from the Muslim world with many other countries joining in condemnation.