Palestinian presidency condemns "Israeli escalation" at Al-Aqsa Mosque

RAMALLAH/JERUSALEM, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency condemned Tuesday "Israeli escalation" at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, warning against possible consequences.

According to a statement published by the Palestinian official news agency WAFA, the presidency warned of "grave consequences for Israeli actions against Palestinians and worshippers in the city and inside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound."

It called on the international community to intervene "to put a stop to the Israeli escalation and violations of the sanctity of the Muslim holy site that provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world."

WAFA reported Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is holding contacts with all parties, particularly Jordan, to push Israel to stop this escalation.

Members of Islamic Waqf and staff of Al-Aqsa mosque said that Israeli police raided Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Tuesday afternoon and assaulted worshippers before forcing them to leave the compound and closed all its gates.

Meanwhile, a statement by Israeli office said a firebomb was hurled at a police post located just outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and the police then closed down all of its gates and evacuated people who were already inside.

The mosque is worshipped by Muslims as the "Noble Sanctuary" and revered by Jews as the "Temple Mount."

According to a 1967 agreement between Israel and Jordan that is the custodian of Al-Aqsa Mosque, non-Muslim worshipers can visit the place but are prohibited to pray there.