Iran has underlined the need for unity among Muslims in the face of Israeli bids to destroy the sacred al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem).

In a statement released on Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stressed the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian nation, and said unity and solidarity among Muslims as well as all freedom-seeking people would thwart a plot by the Israeli regime to destroy the al-Aqsa Mosque.

The statement was issued on the 46th anniversary of Israel’s burning of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

On August 21, 1969, the mosque was set on fire by an Australian settler in coordination with Israeli officials and military forces. The fire gutted the southeastern wing of the mosque.

In its Friday statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry also highlighted the Palestinian nation’s demand for “robust and practical” action by Islamic countries in support of the al-Aqsa Mosque, which it said serves as the link of unity among all divine religions.

The ministry also criticized Israel’s plot to target the achievements made by the Palestinian Intifada movement and the resistance front against the Tel Aviv regime, saying Israel is trying in vain to sap the will and determination of Muslims in liberating the holy city of Quds.

It also warned against Israel’s bid to change the demography of Quds and press ahead with its project to Judaize the holy city. The statement further warned against raids on the al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Israeli settlers.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the World Mosque Day in Tehran on Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also lashed out at Israel for the 1969 arson attack against Islam’s third holiest site.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a ceremony to mark the World Mosque Day, in the capital, Tehran, August 20, 2015.

“The event indicates that the occupying and usurper Zionist regime does not respect any social and human principles,” President Rouhani said.

The Iranian president noted that the attack unmasks the Tel Aviv regime’s aggressive and terrorist nature and is a warning to Muslims to safeguard their religious and Islamic identity.