Syria slams Israel's 'criminal' acts in mosque compound

DAMASCUS (AFP) -- Syria accused Israel on Monday of “criminal” acts against Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, a day after police raided the revered Al-Aqsa mosque compound and clashed with Palestinian worshippers.

“Syria strongly denounces Israel's flagrant violations against Al-Aqsa mosque,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Israel is carrying out criminal acts against Muslim holy sites and Arab heritage,” the ministry said.

It also urged the international community “and those who want to establish peace in the Middle East to condemn Israeli violations and act to put an end to them.”

Israeli police twice entered Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Sunday and clashed with stone-throwing Palestinian youths, after Muslim leaders called on their followers to defend the site.

The flashpoint site is holy to both Muslims, who call it Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), and Jews who refer to is as Temple Mount.

Israeli police reopened the site to Muslim worshippers and tourists on Monday as calm returned to the area.

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