Palestinians demand end to Israeli attacks

The Palestinian Authority prime minister says Israeli infringements against the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (al-Quds) are violations of international law and must stop.

Talking to reporters in Ramallah on September 29, Salam Fayyad called on Arab and other countries to take "clear positions" to compel the Israeli regime to stop its arbitrary practices, an action condemned by many countries.

Jewish extremists, supported by armed Israeli police, entered the al-Aqsa Mosque on September 27 and attacked protesting Palestinians, resulting in the injury of 16 Palestinians.

Such Israeli actions, including putting more restrictions on Palestinians in the holy city, are changing its features, Fayyad said. “This will significantly harm the already faltering peace process, and will only lead to more frustration and tension,” he said.

Israel does not include occupied Jerusalem in the ongoing peace negotiations, which is unacceptable, Fayyad said, and added that international law should be applicable to Jerusalem as well as the rest of the Israeli-occupied territories.

Fayyad also condemned the recent reports of Israeli settlers distributing leaflets to Palestinian olive farmers, demanding they stay away from their olive groves this October during the harvest. “This threat must be taken seriously,” he said.