News / Interviews

Israel has destruction of Aqsa Mosque on agenda: Analyst

Friday, 01 July 2016 10:06 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 01 July 2016 10:06 AM ]

Iranians take to the streets in Tehran to mark International Quds Day on July 1, 2016. (IRNA)

Press TV has conducted an interview with Scott Rickard, a former American intelligence linguist from Tampa, and Maxine Dovere, a reporter and political commentator from New York, to discuss the anti-Israel rallies held worldwide to mark International Quds Day.

Rickard says the root cause of the recent clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces is the Tel Aviv’s regime agenda to destroy al-Aqsa Mosque.

He further emphasized the need for unity among Palestinians in their fight against Israeli occupation, saying the West has betrayed them by failing to help secure the freedom of their homeland.

The analyst further slammed Israel’s illegal settlement expansion in the occupied territories, saying “it’s an escalation that has never been seen in the history of the region, and what we see here is a continuous occupation, a continuous persecution and a continuous racist attitude” toward non-Israelis.

Rickard rejected allegations that pro-Palestine rights bodies practice “anti-Semitism,” saying such organizations as “End the Occupation” and “Veterans for Peace” are sincere in their campaign against Israeli occupation.

Dovere, for her part, claims “the idea that al-Aqsa Mosque is under attack is a false one,” adding that instead of holding “negative” anti-Israel protests, joint efforts should be made to protect the sacred compound.

She claimed the rallies held outside the Palestinian territories do not have “the benefit of the Palestinian people in mind” and merely seek the destruction of Israel.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk