Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced Israel on Wednesday for what he called its "insult" to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque in connection with Israeli actions at one of Islam's holiest places.
"The Zionist regime's crimes in Palestine and repeated insult of the sacred sanctuary of the al-Aqsa Mosque ... are the foremost problem for Muslims," Mr. Khamenei was quoted as saying by his official website.
Mr. Khamenei described Israeli behaviour towards Palestinians as the "ultimate degree of ruthlessness and evil".
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said last week that Israel was committed to maintaining the status quo and that Palestinian "rioters" would not be allowed to prevent Jews visiting the area. Jews refer to the area as Temple Mount, where an ancient Jewish temple once stood, and it is the most sacred place in Judaism.
Published - September 23, 2015 03:20 pm IST
