RAMALLAH, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas deplored Friday the attack in al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem in a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Abbas said he opposes violence from any side, especially in religious places, said the Palestinian official News Agency WAFA.
He also called upon Netanyahu to withdraw measures taken in al-Aqsa mosque and reopen it for worshippers, warning of the possible consequences to such measures or the exploitation of changes to the religious and historical status of the city.
Netanyahu reportedly said that the status quo of al-Aqsa mosque has not been changed and called for self restraint from both sides.
On another level, the Palestinian presidency said it is holding consultations with Jordan in order to cancel Israeli restrictions on al-Aqsa mosque and reopen it for worshippers.
Early on Friday, three Israeli Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces inside the al-Aqsa mosque compound. Two Israeli officers were also killed during clashes.
As a result of the attack, Israeli police closed down the al-Aqsa mosque till further notice.
