The Muslim Council of Elders has warned about calls within the region to use recent events in Jerusalem as a cause for protests during the pilgrimage season, adding that these calls have political and sectarian intentions.

''The "Zionist terrorism" threatens world peace and strong action must be taken to stop Israel’s violations against the Al Aqsa Mosque,'' the Council said in a statement it issued after an urgent session that was held today in Abu Dhabi, which was chaired by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Dr. Ahmed al-Tayyib.

The Council stressed that the actions against the Palestinian people and their religious sanctity are considered acts of terrorism, which are criminalised by all international laws and conventions. It added that the continuity of such acts of terrorism threaten regional peace talks and will lead to a religious war that endangers the entire region. The situation requires non-biased action by the international community and international organisations to confirm the rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent country, with its capital in Jerusalem, it further added.

The Council praised the struggle, wisdom and strength of the Palestine people in facing these "Zionist violations," as well as their persistence to make their occupiers end their transgressions.

The Council announced its participation in Al-Azhar World Conference on Jerusalem next September, and it urged all relevant organisations and authorities to also participate.

The Council also called on the Arab and Muslim world to unite their efforts to support Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque.

Source: Wam