JERUSALEM - The imam of Jerusalem's Al Aqsa mosque on Friday warned that threats by Jewish extremists against the sacred complex were "ticking bombs" and said the Israeli government must take responsibility for containing the threat.
"Threats of destroying Al-Aqsa and attacking peaceful worshippers are ticking bombs aimed at Muslims and this holy mosque," Sheikh Yussuf Abu Sneinan said in his sermon during the Friday prayers.
"Know, O Believers, that the Israeli government alone has responsibility for the statements of these (Jewish) settlers," he added.
In the past few months, Jewish extremists have uttered numerous threats against the compound, which houses the Dome of the Rock (Omar Mosque) and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, as well as the Western Wall, the most sacred spot in Judaism.
On Wednesday, Israel private television screened a video showing far right-Jewish extremists, including rabbis, discussing ways of occupying the site in a bid to sabotage Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza.
"We must conquer the Temple Mount to abort the withdrawal plan. If 50,000 people go to the Temple Mount, our Father in heaven will see and the (Israeli) institutions will not be able to remain indifferent," said one participant.
In response, Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei warned of the dire consequences which would result from any such move and called on Israel to act decisively.
"We warn that the region will explode if there is any attack against Al-Aqsa," he told reporters in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
"There is a serious threat that some Israeli fundamentalists want to attack Al-Aqsa and we appeal to Israeli security that you have enough time to stop any attack like that," Qorei added.
In February, dozens of police reinforcements were deployed around the compound for fear of an attack by Jewish extremists trying to sabotage the Gaza withdrawal.
03/18/2005 13:10 GMT