Main opposition leader criticizes Israeli intervention to al-Aqsa mosque

ANKARA

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu criticized Israel’s “intervention” at the al-Aqsa mosque, which has led to the escalation of tensions in Jerusalem. 

“The right to faith and worship is the basic right of all people,” Kılıçdaroğlu said on his official Twitter account on July 23.

Kılıçdaroğlu extended condolences for those “martyred” and injured while attending worship in Palestine.

“Israeli intervention of the right to worship at al-Aqsa is unacceptable,” he said. 

In the latest escalation in Jerusalem, three Palestinian gunmen launched an attack killing two Israeli policemen at a gate to the Muslim-administered compound.

In response, Israel began installing metal detectors; a move that Muslim religious leaders and Palestinian politicians allege to be part of an Israeli attempt to expand control on the site.

Israel has denied such allegations, saying metal detectors are routine security devices used at holy sites around the world. Israeli officials signaled they may be open to changing the measures at the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound over mounting pressures on the Israeli goverment.