Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Thursday his ministry was closely following the developments at the Al-Haram Al-Sharif. 

Palestinian leaders have issued dire warnings in the past week after police attaks on Palestinian protesters at al-Aqsa mosque in Quds' Old City, over attempts by Jewish extremists to raid the holy site. 

Speaking in a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Balazs in Ankara, Davutoglu said that Turkey's Consul General in Jerusalem Ambassador Ercan Ozer went to the region and met with the representatives of the Al-Haram Al-Sharif Foundation. 

Answering a question on the blockade at Al-Haram Al-Sharif, Anadolu news agency quoted Davutoglu as saying that his ministry sent the "warning messages" on the issue to all sides. 

Turkey's stand on the Palestinian issue is clear. Eastern Jerusalem is part of Palestinian territory. Al-Haram Al-Sharif is a location given high importance by the Muslims and Christians. It is an obligation for everyone to display respect for Al-Haram Al-Sharif. As such, we are closely monitoring the developments there, Davutoglu stressed. 

Israel captured Al-Quds in the 1967 six-day war and later annexed the city, in a move not recognized by the international community. 

The city is home to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Muslims' first Qiblah [direction Muslims take during prayers] and the third holiest shrine after Al Ka'bah in Makkah and Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. 

Its significance has been reinforced by the incident of Al Isra'a and Al Mi'raj — the night journey from Makkah to Al-Quds and the ascent to the Heavens by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). 

Al-Quds is also home to some of the holiest Christian worship places, including the Jerusalem Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. 

Israel has been imposed to force the Palestinians out, including systematic demolition of their homes. 

The second Palestinian intifada began there in September 2000 after an attempt by Ariel Sharon to enter the mosque, the right-wing politician who became Israeli prime minister the following year. 

Agencies