JERUSALEM (AA) – Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Yusuf Abu Sneina has condemned recent violations of the holy site by Israeli troops and Jewish settlers.
"The mosque compound has desecrated by settlers and by the firing of teargas, while others enter the compound without any decency or respect," Abu Sneina told worshippers in his Friday sermon.
He also denounced recent Israeli moves to deny Palestinian worshippers access to the mosque, especially for dawn prayers.
"They have prevented worshippers from performing prayers in Al-Aqsa, which had formerly been open [to worshippers] day and night," he said.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, has recently been the target of repeated violations by Jewish settlers, distressing Palestinian Muslims.
The Knesset (Israel's parliament) had earlier called for opening the mosque compound to Jews on all Jewish holidays.
Jews refer to Al-Aqsa as the "Temple Mount," claiming the area was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
Abu Sneina also decried new Israeli restrictions on Palestinian residents of occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem).
"These restrictions include hefty taxes and tunnels being dug under the city – damaging shops, homes and streets – and the imposition of Israeli curricula on Palestinian students in an effort to strip them of their Islamic identity," he said.
He also decried eviction orders issued by the occupation authorities against several Palestinian families that have lived in the city for decades or more.
The sheikh also slammed the Palestinian Authority's resumed peace talks with Israel, describing them as "futile."
In late July, the West Bank-based PA resumed peace negotiations with the self-proclaimed Jewish state under US sponsorship following a three-year hiatus.
Talks between the two sides generally take place behind closed doors. Results of the negotiations are not divulged to the media.
"The talks are a dead-end," said Abu Sneina. "They will only lead to more weakness and misery."
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