Al-Azhar condemns removing Al Aqsa from Jerusalem photo

CAIRO – 24 May 2018: Al-Azhar condemned in a statement US ambassador to Israel David Friedman's move where he held a photo of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque removed.

According to the statement, this is an irresponsible behavior which comes in line with the American-Israeli provocative acts toward more than a billion and half Muslims around the world.

These acts will never change history; Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine and Muslims can sacrifice their souls for Al-Aqsa Mosque, the statement read.

The statement also warned against facing such violation with silence as it threatens the security of the whole region.

Al Azhar has earlier denounced Washington's insistence on relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem.

According to the statement, the U.S. decision was widely rejected worldwide, pointing out that some countries are biased towards arrogance at the expense of justice, a matter which would endanger stability and peace.

The statement added that the US decision posed a challenge to the feelings of 1.5 billion Muslims across the world and also violated the sanctities of "our Christian brothers".

It appealed to the governments and people who believe in justice and freedom to do their duty toward Jerusalem and the Palestinians.