TABNAK, Aug, 28: Araqchi in a phone call with the Deputy Chief of Hamas Politburo Khalil al-Hayya stressed, “The approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting the oppressed people of Palestine and the Resistance will continue strongly in the 14th government.”
Appreciating the 11-month resistance of the people of Gaza and the Resistance combatants against the crimes of the Zionists, Araqchi expressed confidence that the ultimate victory would belong to the Palestinian people, assuring them that Iran would stand with them until the end.
The two sides also discussed the latest developments about ceasefire talks in Gaza Strip, recent Zionist regime’s crimes in Palestine and the regime’s moves to change the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Condemnations have poured from across the Arab and Islamic world following a call by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to build a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.
Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.
It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the mosque complex. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it categorically rejects Ben-Gvir’s call and “the continued provocations of sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”
Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party condemned the far-right Israeli minister’s remarks as “vile.”
Since 2003, Israeli police have unilaterally allowed illegal settlers to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque on weekdays, excluding Fridays and Saturdays, without the approval of the Islamic Waqf.
Jordan called Ben-Gvir’s call “a violation of international law and an unacceptable provocation that requires a clear-cut international position condemning it."
Qatar also denounced the Israeli minister’s call as "an extension of attempts to change the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque."
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1980, Israel annexed the entire city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.
Israel has faced international condemnation over its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,400 people since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.
