Grand Imam of al-Azhar denounces Israeli practices

Egypt's Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi denounced the Israeli acts of aggression against the Palestinian people and leader Yasser Arafat and desecration of the Islamic sanctities.

Tantawi said that Egypt had entered four successive wars for the Palestinians and is still supporting the Palestinian leader, government and people.

This came within the context of an expanded meeting held by Tantawi with Al-Azhar officials.

Meanwhile, Suicide operations carried out by Palestinians in the heart of Israeli settlements is considered as the loftiest act of martyrdom in the sight of Almighty Allah, said Mufti of the Republic Ahmad At-Tayyib.

Commenting on what the Israeli army has been doing as regards storming and desecrating Al-Aqsa Mosque, occupying President Arafat's headquarters, At-Tayyib said it is a brutal act which must resisted.