CAIRO, October 9, 2011 (WAFA) – The Grand Mufti of Egypt, Ali Gomaa, Sunday in a press conference condemned the vandalism of Muslim and Christian cemeteries on Friday night in a suspected “price tag” attack by extremist Jews.

Gomaa stressed that these recent actions by Israeli forces and settlers clearly reveal the hidden intentions against  Christian and Muslim holy places, in complete contrast to Israeli officials’ statements in the media of alleged respect for religious sanctuaries.

He described the attack as a “hideous crime” violating all religions and international charters, and noted the escalating wave of racism against Arabs – Muslims and Christians – in Israel under the Israeli government’s negligence.

The Grand Mufti called for the prosecution of the assailants. He also called on Arab and Islamic nations to face the Israeli attempts to judaize Jerusalem and obliterate the Islamic and Christian characters of the city, as well as Israel’s settlements expansion policy.

R.Q./F.J.