Mauritanian Islamic scholars slam Israeli raids on Al-Aqsa

A group of prominent Mauritanian Islamic scholars have issued a statement denouncing Israel's attacks on worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Arabi 21 reported.

The scholars slammed "absurd" solutions to ending the Israeli occupation, saying that a religious struggle - "jihad" - is the only solution.

The statement expanded that "jihad" can entail various forms of action, including economic support for the Palestinian people, advocacy and speaking out against Israeli violations.

"The duty of the Islamic peoples is advocacy and support, and support in all its forms, and denouncing the crimes of the occupiers by all possible and available means," the statement said.

The scholars accused the international community of complicity in Israel's violations against Palestinians, and also condemned efforts by some countries to normalise ties with Israel.

Among the dozens of signatories to the letter is Sheikh Muhammad al-Hassan bin al-Dido, a Mauritanian scholar with a significant international following.

Israeli forces and settler groups have carried out regular raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. The mosque is considered Islam's third holiest site.

The raids have continued into Ramadan, with Israeli forces having attacked and arrested worshippers inside the mosque.

Hundreds of extremist Israeli settler groups have carried out provocative raids on the site, having stormed the site on Tuesday on the sixth day of Passover.

On Monday, over 1,000 Israelis stormed Al-Aqsa's courtyards and performed religious rites in violation of the status quo arrangement, which reserves prayer at the holy place for Muslims.

Some extremists want to demolish Al-Aqsa and construct a Jewish temple in its place.

Mauritania has not had diplomatic ties with Israel since 2009, and frequently condemns Tel Aviv for its violence towards Palestinians.

Earlier this month, Mauritania's foreign minister affirmed his country's support for Palestine in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Iranian state media reported.

However, Israel is targeting Mauritania in its push to normalise ties with more African countries following deals with Morocco and Sudan in recent years, according to reports last month.

In 2021, Mauritania denied media reports that it was in contact with Israel to normalise ties between the two countries.