Turkey’s Erdogan urges all Muslims to protect Jerusalem

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is urging Muslims to defend the Palestinian cause, striking a tough stance on Israel despite improved ties between the two nations.

The president of majority Muslim Turkey says “it is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace the Palestinian cause and protect Jerusalem” and that safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be left to children armed with nothing but stones. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the hilltop compound is sacred to Muslims and to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount

Speaking at a parliamentary symposium on Jerusalem in Istanbul, the Turkish leader also criticizes an Israeli proposal to make mosques reduce the volume of loudspeakers issuing the call to prayer.

His comments come as Israel and Turkey prepare to exchange ambassadors as part of a reconciliation deal.

— AP