"We urge Israel to immediately revoke the restrictions on the entry of Palestinians in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in an attempt to overcome tensions among Muslims," MUI Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan stated here on Thursday.
He remarked that tensions could flare up since Palestinians had planned to offer prayers on a large scale at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
The Israeli restrictions violated the UN Charter on freedom of worship in accordance with their respective beliefs.
Meanwhile, MUI Chairman Muhyiddin Junaidi said Israel is currently testing the strength of unity among Muslims.
Israel continues to exploit the internal conflicts in Middle East countries. The aim of the Zionist state is to expand Judaization in the occupied Palestinian territories.
"The Zionists are exploiting the conflict in the Middle East countries in their efforts to eliminate Palestine from the world map," he stated.
To this end, Junaidi has called on all parties to apply pressure on Israel. The Indonesian government must also play its part in supporting the Palestinian efforts to gain independence and to liberate the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Three Palestinian Israelis had earlier shot dead two policemen near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Friday morning before being killed by the security forces.
The Israeli authorities then shut down the area to Muslims congregating for the Friday prayers, drawing a call for resistance from Palestinian religious leaders.
UU.A063/INE
EDITED BY INE/H-YH.
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
