Leading Muslim scholars and religious leaders in Saudi Arabia have called for jihad against Israel :"We have to strike at the heart of Israel to

More misuderstanders of Islam...


Riyadh, 3 June (AKI) - Leading Muslim scholars and religious leaders in Saudi Arabia have called for jihad against Israel after the deadly raid on the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla this week. In a statement distributed to Arab media, 70 of the country's prominent religious leaders said Muslims had an "obligation" to take action and to help end the embargo on Gaza aid.

"We have to strike at the heart of Israel to drive them out of Muslim territories in a way that breaks the Gaza embargo," the statement said.

"Dialogue and negotiations only increases violence by the Jews," the statement said. "The only way to save our (Muslim) nation from attacks and humiliation is to return to the way of Allah."

The Saudi scholars, who included the influential preacher Salman al-Awda whose sermons have influenced Islamist political thinkers at home and abroad.

The group condemned the attack carried out by Israeli naval forces against the aid flotilla and called on Arab governments to press for the release of all the activists who were arrested by Israel.

Almost all the 600 activists have been freed. But Israeli media reported on Thursday that Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed Salah remained under house arrest after he was detained for his alleged role in the clashes.

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