LOC17:11
14:11 GMT
RAMALLAH, July 14 (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed "strong condemnation" over clashes near Al-Aqsa mosque, where three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen were killed, and Israel's subsequent closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday.
During a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Abbas voiced rejection of violent incidents from any side, especially in places of worship, Palestinian news agency (WAFA) said.
He urged the Israeli premier to end the closure imposed on the holy Muslim site, warning of the consequences of such measures.
Netanyahu assured the president that the status quo would not change at the compound, calling for all sides to stay calm.
Meanwhile, Palestinian factions have warned against the closure of Al-Aqsa for worshippers, and the aggression such a move poses.
What is going on in the mosque and its vicinity is "grave," Fatah spokesman Usama Al-Qawasmi said.
Israel is attempting to implement its "plan" on the holy site, he said, like what happened in the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
He called for immediate action from Arab countries to counter the move.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, for his part, described the act as "terrorism" and a "grave aggression." (end)
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