ANKARA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye on Friday "strongly" condemned the recent "storming" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by an Israeli minister under the protection of security forces.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel's ongoing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip and provocations aimed at altering the historical status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque are posing a threat to security and stability in the region.
The ministry called on the international community to take necessary measures against Israeli actions.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Thursday that he visited East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and "said a prayer," which breached the long-standing status quo at the site.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam, is administered by the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, an Islamic religious trust affiliated with Jordan. Jews revere the site as the Temple Mount.
Under the status quo, non-Muslims are permitted only to visit the hilltop compound but not allowed to pray there. This sacred site has long been a flashpoint for deadly violence between Jews and Muslims. ■
