Israeli excavations destroying al-Aqsa Mosque: Palestinian minister
Palestine’s Minster of Religious Affairs Sheikh Yousif Ideis has warned that Israel is attempting to destroy the al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem al-Quds.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ideis stressed that Israel was trying to destroy the mosque via the daily excavations it carries out under the compound.
He added that the Tel Aviv regime was trying to ignite a religious war in the region with its ongoing attempts to destroy the mosque.
The statement was released after the Islamic-Christian Committee to Defend Jerusalem and Holy Sites announced that Israeli excavations had resulted in several sinkholes appearing around the compound.
Ideis noted that Israel’s actions were "obvious violations” of resolutions by global bodies, the latest being a UNESCO resolution denouncing Israel’s actions in the occupied territory.
Read More:
- UNESCO approves resolution on Palestinians’ right to al-Aqsa compound
- Iran lauds UNESCO anti-Israel resolution on Palestinians’ rights
- Palestinians welcome UNESCO al-Aqsa resolution
Israeli authorities frequently issue permits for excavations and archaeological digs in close vicinity of the al-Aqsa compound. Such actions have resulted in the collapse of several Palestinian homes and damage to the mosque and its surrounding buildings.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site for Muslims after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.
Read More:
- Nearly 15,000 Israelis stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2016: Group
- Nearly 20 Palestinians injured in clashes with Israeli forces in al-Aqsa Mosque
- Israeli settlers attack al-Aqsa Mosque compound again
The occupied Palestinian territories have witnessed tensions ever since Israel imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem al-Quds in August 2015. Around 280 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces since October that year.
‘Ghost town’: 70% of Jabalia buildings destroyed by Israel
At least 19 Gazans killed by Israeli airstrikes since dawn: Medics
Eight Palestinians killed as Israel attacks Gaza school, hospitals
VIDEO | Yemenis praise the military for its successful operations against Israel
VIDEO | Israel continues to bomb Gaza homes
VIDEO | An insider's view of the country: Meybod City in Yazd
‘All wars have rules. All of those rules have been broken’ by Israel
VIDEO | Report flags India’s violation of rights of Rohingya detainees
Turkey's foreign minister meets Syria's de facto leader in Damascus
VIDEO | US Syria plots
'Next to impossible' to rescue patients from Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital: Director
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
