Turkey's Erdogan warns of consequences if Israel blocks Muslim holy sites

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday Israel would face "very serious consequences" if it banned Palestinian Muslims from entering holy sites during the coming month of Ramadan.

"We are conveying our messages to the relevant authorities regarding the need to prevent provocations ahead of the upcoming month of Ramadan," Erdogan told a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara.

"The demands of radical Israeli politicians to restrict Muslims' access to the Harem al Sharif are complete nonsense. The consequences of taking such a step will undoubtedly be very grave."