Turkish President Erdogan condemns Israel's Al-Aqsa Mosque raids, saying: 'I want to express sadness and anger'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned on Wednesday Israel's Al-Aqsa Mosque raids, expressing his "sadness and anger."

"Türkiye can never remain silent to attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, President Erdoğan said, calling on Israel to stop attacks.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is Türkiye's "red line," he said, adding that the "people of Palestine are not alone."

"It is understood that behind the wave of violence caused by the Israeli administration despite all the warnings, that they are stuck inside," he underlined.

"This is called the policy of oppression."

'UNNACCEPTABLE'

Israeli police raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem are "unacceptable," Erdoğan also said Wednesday, calling on Israel to abandon steps that are fueling tensions.

"The intrusions and threats against the sanctity and historical significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as Palestinians' freedom of religion and life must cease," Erdoğan said in a televised interview.

His remarks came after tensions escalated when Israeli police detained around 350 worshippers from inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.

A group of Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the Al-Qibli Prayer Hall in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex after Jewish settlers called for a raid on the mosque. They attempted to prevent police from entering by closing its doors.

Surrounding the Al-Qibli Prayer Hall, Israeli police went up to the roof of the mosque, smashed windows, and initially used sound bombs against worshippers inside. Some in the mosque tried to resist police by throwing fireworks.

"We will continue to stand by our Palestinian brothers and sisters under all circumstances and to protect our sacred values. Israel should know this as well," Erdoğan said.