Sheikh Of Al-azhar Denounces Any Threat To Al-aqsa Mosque

CAIRO, July 27 (AFP) - The head of Sunni Islam's most important institution, the Sheikh of al-Azhar, on Tuesday denounced reports Jewish extremists could attack the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
"These threats cannot be envisaged either mentally, legally, religiously or morally," Mohammed Sayed Tantawi told the official news agency MENA.
The Israeli media reported Sunday that authorities fear Jewish extremists could be planning an air attack on Jerusalem's disputed mosque compound in a bid to derail government plans to uproot settlers from the Gaza Strip.
"Only a mentally deranged person would say such a thing," said Tantawi, who called on Muslims around the world to unite to challenge the threat.
Known as the Temple Mount by Jews and Al-Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, to Muslims, the compound housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque also shelters the Dome of the Rock, or Omar Mosque, and the Western Wall, the holiest site for Jews.