Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with a former grand mufti of Jerusalem and known terror supporter from the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount, Wednesday.
Sheikh Ekrima Sa'id Sabri, a radical religious figure known for his anti-Israel views, Holocaust denial, and support for terrorism, stayed at the republic's official presidential residence in Ankara during his visit.
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In their meeting, Erdogan said, "It is Turkey's role to remove the oppression from those who are oppressed, and that first and foremost is the Palestinian people," according to Arab media reports.
Sabri emphasized the importance of the Muslim nation's support for the steadfast stance of the residents of Jerusalem.
In a recent diatribe on Oct. 8, Sabri said, "The Zionists' massacres" on Al-Aqsa were ongoing. "We have no other option other than opposition and defending the mosque with all of our might," he said.
Sabri has accused the "Israeli occupation" of repeated attacks on Al-Aqsa and the surrounding area. He has called on Muslim worshipers to defend the site, saying, "Muslims are ready to sacrifice themselves for the mosque."
Nadav Segal of the right-wing group Im Tirzu said Sabri's Turkey visit "makes it incredibly clear that Erdogan is trying to establish his grip on and involvement in Jerusalem affairs, whether through various charity organizations or diplomatic means. The visit, made to Erdogan's residence, shows the considerable importance that Erdoğan places on this issue, and how he has chosen to strengthen ties with radical pro-terror actors as a tactical method to advance his goals. This is similar to the [president's] hosting of a delegation of Hamas members and granting them Turkish citizenship a few months ago."
He said, "Israel must dedicate adequate attention and resources to this matter, whether in research, legislation, or diplomatic activity aimed at securing Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem and over the Temple Mount."
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