Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday called for preserving the historical and legal status of al-Aqsa Mosque in light of the continuing Israeli attacks on the holy site.
In a statement on the anniversary of the arson attack on al-Aqsa Mosque the OIC said “These days mark the 49th painful anniversary of the heinous attempt to burn the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque the first qibla of Islam and its third holiest site. The occasion is being remembered amid escalating aggressions and attacks on the site.”
The OIC reiterated its support for the Palestinians’ right to regain sovereignty over Jerusalem and resist any attempt to end the Palestinian presence in the holy city.
It called on the international community to pressure Israel to abide by the principles of international law and end its occupation of all Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 including Jerusalem.
On 21st August 1969 the extremist Dennis Michael Rohan set fire to the pulpit of al-Aqsa Mosque burning important parts of the Islamic holy site. His action had the apparent blessing of the Israeli occupation forces.
