Egyptian writers and authors have condemned Israeli settler invasions of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which have led to the injury and arrest of several Palestinians during clashes with Israeli troops over the past three days.
The Writers’ Union of Egypt said in a statement on Tuesday that it "strongly condemns the aggression by Zionist gangs at Al-Aqsa Mosque, attacking the unarmed, civilian congregation.” The union went on to voice solidarity with Palestinians and urge the international community to take action against what it describes as “barbaric assaults”.
Israeli settlers, escorted by IDF troops, stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Muslim world’s third holiest spot, on Wednesday, continuing raids that began three days ago.
Both Israelis and Palestinians lay claim to the city as their capital, though Israel annexed the holy city to its authority in 1980.
Hardline Jewish groups have called for the mosque to be demolished, claiming it is the site of an ancient Jewish temple. Palestinian authorities have occasionally warned of Israeli excavations that threaten the mosque’s structure.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
