19 mar 2016
Surveillance cameras will be installed at al-Aqsa Mosque in the coming few days to cover the courtyards of the holy shrine, the Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani said Friday.
By installing the cameras, Jordan seeks to document these violations and enable 1.7 billion Muslims to follow what is happening in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine, on the Internet, Momani said in remarks to Jordan Television.
Momani said no cameras will be installed in prayer areas in the Mosque because the goal is to record any Israeli violations. The Jerusalem Awqaf Department, affiliated with the Awqaf Ministry, will be in charge of the cameras, which will cover an area of 144 dunums, through a control room, he noted, stressing the legal, moral, and religious importance of this step, aimed at safeguarding holy sites against Israeli transgressions.
The minister also reaffirmed that Jordan sees Islamic and Christian shrines as a red line, stressing that the state will utilize all the resources at its disposal to translate this stance on safeguarding holy sites.
The cameras, he explained, were bought and examined by qualified engineers, and the installation will be monitored through field reports submitted regularly by Jerusalem Awqaf Department employees to ensure that all are doing their job as required.
The spokesman dismissed as baseless any claims charging that the cameras will be used to detain steadfast Jerusalemites, stressing that Israel has its own cameras and drones to monitor the Mosque. Moreover, Jewish extremists have expressed their opposition of Jordan’s installation of cameras, because their purpose is to document any violations and make Israel responsible before the international community for these actions, according to Momani.
The cameras will help Jordan politically, diplomatically, and legally if it needs to resort to international law in the event of any Israeli violations in the holy shrine, Momani added, describing the cameras as a tool for unequivocal evidence to dismiss Israel’s constant claims that it is not responsible for violations and incursions into al-Aqsa.
Jordan, he said, is confident that the international law and community are on its side as it works to prevent Israel from desecrating Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, based on the Hashemite custodianship of these shrines and the rejection of any attempts by Israel — as an occupying force — to introduce any changes to the status quo.
He stressed that al-Aqsa Mosque is a purely Islamic Waqf, and Israel is the occupying force, noting that Tel Aviv will never be safe if it continues to provoke 1.7 billion Muslims by violating the sanctity of these shrines.
By installing the cameras, Jordan seeks to document these violations and enable 1.7 billion Muslims to follow what is happening in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine, on the Internet, Momani said in remarks to Jordan Television.
Momani said no cameras will be installed in prayer areas in the Mosque because the goal is to record any Israeli violations. The Jerusalem Awqaf Department, affiliated with the Awqaf Ministry, will be in charge of the cameras, which will cover an area of 144 dunums, through a control room, he noted, stressing the legal, moral, and religious importance of this step, aimed at safeguarding holy sites against Israeli transgressions.
The minister also reaffirmed that Jordan sees Islamic and Christian shrines as a red line, stressing that the state will utilize all the resources at its disposal to translate this stance on safeguarding holy sites.
The cameras, he explained, were bought and examined by qualified engineers, and the installation will be monitored through field reports submitted regularly by Jerusalem Awqaf Department employees to ensure that all are doing their job as required.
The spokesman dismissed as baseless any claims charging that the cameras will be used to detain steadfast Jerusalemites, stressing that Israel has its own cameras and drones to monitor the Mosque. Moreover, Jewish extremists have expressed their opposition of Jordan’s installation of cameras, because their purpose is to document any violations and make Israel responsible before the international community for these actions, according to Momani.
The cameras will help Jordan politically, diplomatically, and legally if it needs to resort to international law in the event of any Israeli violations in the holy shrine, Momani added, describing the cameras as a tool for unequivocal evidence to dismiss Israel’s constant claims that it is not responsible for violations and incursions into al-Aqsa.
Jordan, he said, is confident that the international law and community are on its side as it works to prevent Israel from desecrating Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, based on the Hashemite custodianship of these shrines and the rejection of any attempts by Israel — as an occupying force — to introduce any changes to the status quo.
He stressed that al-Aqsa Mosque is a purely Islamic Waqf, and Israel is the occupying force, noting that Tel Aviv will never be safe if it continues to provoke 1.7 billion Muslims by violating the sanctity of these shrines.
18 mar 2016
“The International Jerusalem Marathon 2016” kicked off on Friday in occupied Jerusalem with the participation of nearly 25,000 runners from different countries all over the world.
The marathon came as part of Israel’s Judaization policy as its route cuts through occupied Jerusalem and its Arab and Islamic historical sites.
According to the marathon’s website, “the various tracks pass by fascinating historical sites that illuminate 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.”
The marathon is set to run from 7 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., during which an estimated 25,000 runners will be competing.
Earlier Thursday, Israeli authorities banned the entry of Secretary General of the National Committee Against Normalization Jihad Owaida and two other activists into occupied Jerusalem for three days.
The Israeli authorities claimed that their presence will pose a threat to the participants’ lives. The International Jerusalem Marathon 2016, seemingly an entertaining sports event, is in reality a camouflaged Judaization scheme aimed at holding sway over the holy city.
The marathon came as part of Israel’s Judaization policy as its route cuts through occupied Jerusalem and its Arab and Islamic historical sites.
According to the marathon’s website, “the various tracks pass by fascinating historical sites that illuminate 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.”
The marathon is set to run from 7 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., during which an estimated 25,000 runners will be competing.
Earlier Thursday, Israeli authorities banned the entry of Secretary General of the National Committee Against Normalization Jihad Owaida and two other activists into occupied Jerusalem for three days.
The Israeli authorities claimed that their presence will pose a threat to the participants’ lives. The International Jerusalem Marathon 2016, seemingly an entertaining sports event, is in reality a camouflaged Judaization scheme aimed at holding sway over the holy city.
17 mar 2016
Israeli authorities, on Wednesday, cancelled a weekly visit which allows elderly Palestinians, from the Gaza Strip, to travel to annexed East Jerusalem for Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to Palestinian liaison officials.
Sources at the liaison office said that Israel had called off the agreement, which previously allowed 200 Gazans above the age of 60 to worship at the holy site as part of a ceasefire agreement that ended the 2014 Gaza war.
Sources said that Israel cancelled the agreement on the grounds that Palestinian worshipers traveling for worship were not returning to the Gaza Strip on the same day of the visit, as the agreement stipulated. A spokesperson for Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed the cancellation and said that: "Any claims regarding the freezing of permits for prayers in the Temple Mount [Al-Aqsa] should be directed to those who choose to exploit illegally the permits at the expense of the rest of the public."
"In light of inappropriate misusing of the permit and exploiting inappropriately the Israeli civil policy, it has been decided to freeze the permits for prayers in the Temple Mount [Al-Aqsa]," the spokesperson said, adding that over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza are permitted to cross into Israel, each day, for a variety of purposes, including business affairs or medical treatment.
The spokesperson said that giving permits for entry to the Al-Aqsa compound is a "civil step" among others taken by the body, but added that any "attempts to harm the security of Israel" would not be tolerated.
The spokesperson told Ma'an that the decision was temporary until the issue was addressed by the Palestinian Civil Committee in the Gaza Strip.
The announcement comes after Israeli authorities, last week, reportedly said they were considering increasing the number of Palestinians able to travel from Gaza to Al-Aqsa, as well as lowering the age limit to 50.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place. Disputes surrounding visitation to the site have historically flared tensions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Increased Israeli presence at the site, last year, contributed to an escalation of tensions that triggered a wave of unrest across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in October.
Sources at the liaison office said that Israel had called off the agreement, which previously allowed 200 Gazans above the age of 60 to worship at the holy site as part of a ceasefire agreement that ended the 2014 Gaza war.
Sources said that Israel cancelled the agreement on the grounds that Palestinian worshipers traveling for worship were not returning to the Gaza Strip on the same day of the visit, as the agreement stipulated. A spokesperson for Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed the cancellation and said that: "Any claims regarding the freezing of permits for prayers in the Temple Mount [Al-Aqsa] should be directed to those who choose to exploit illegally the permits at the expense of the rest of the public."
"In light of inappropriate misusing of the permit and exploiting inappropriately the Israeli civil policy, it has been decided to freeze the permits for prayers in the Temple Mount [Al-Aqsa]," the spokesperson said, adding that over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza are permitted to cross into Israel, each day, for a variety of purposes, including business affairs or medical treatment.
The spokesperson said that giving permits for entry to the Al-Aqsa compound is a "civil step" among others taken by the body, but added that any "attempts to harm the security of Israel" would not be tolerated.
The spokesperson told Ma'an that the decision was temporary until the issue was addressed by the Palestinian Civil Committee in the Gaza Strip.
The announcement comes after Israeli authorities, last week, reportedly said they were considering increasing the number of Palestinians able to travel from Gaza to Al-Aqsa, as well as lowering the age limit to 50.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place. Disputes surrounding visitation to the site have historically flared tensions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Increased Israeli presence at the site, last year, contributed to an escalation of tensions that triggered a wave of unrest across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in October.
Israeli national council for planning and building will be holding on Tuesday, March 22 a lengthy session in Occupied Jerusalem to discuss again the objections on the construction plan of the alleged Temple of Solomon.
According to QPress center, which is concerned with the affairs of Occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque, the meeting will open again the door for the endorsement of the plan and the reconstruction of the alleged temple.
This runs contrary to the previous resolutions of the same council which were issued last May and stipulate for reduction in the size of the building.
The project will be constructed only 20 meters away from the historical wall of the Aqsa Mosque and 100 meters from the Aqsa Mosque itself. The project is upheld by the Israeli government and Jerusalem municipality headed by Nir Barakat. It will be built on an area estimated at 16,000 square meters.
According to QPress center, which is concerned with the affairs of Occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque, the meeting will open again the door for the endorsement of the plan and the reconstruction of the alleged temple.
This runs contrary to the previous resolutions of the same council which were issued last May and stipulate for reduction in the size of the building.
The project will be constructed only 20 meters away from the historical wall of the Aqsa Mosque and 100 meters from the Aqsa Mosque itself. The project is upheld by the Israeli government and Jerusalem municipality headed by Nir Barakat. It will be built on an area estimated at 16,000 square meters.
13 mar 2016
Scores of Jewish settlers on Sunday morning desecrated the Aqsa Mosque's courtyards under security protection.
Local sources said that settlers escorted by special police forces entered the Mosque through al-Maghariba gate in groups and toured its courtyards, which provoked angry verbal reactions from Muslim worshipers there.
Some settlers tried to perform rituals at the Islamic holy site, but Muslims confronted them by loudly shouting religious slogans.
Meanwhile, several Palestinian women, whose names are on police blacklists, rallied outside the Mosque's gates and recited verses from the holy Qur'an after they were prevented from entering the Islamic holy shrine.
Local sources said that settlers escorted by special police forces entered the Mosque through al-Maghariba gate in groups and toured its courtyards, which provoked angry verbal reactions from Muslim worshipers there.
Some settlers tried to perform rituals at the Islamic holy site, but Muslims confronted them by loudly shouting religious slogans.
Meanwhile, several Palestinian women, whose names are on police blacklists, rallied outside the Mosque's gates and recited verses from the holy Qur'an after they were prevented from entering the Islamic holy shrine.
12 mar 2016
Ma'man-Allah Islamic cemetery in West Jerusalem, which includes the remains of some of the Companions of prophet Mohammed peace be upon him, the Mujahideen and martyrs, is subjected to deliberate neglect by the Israeli municipality to pave the way for the establishment of settlement projects on its ruins.
Press sources said that the Israeli municipality clearly neglects Ma'man-Allah cemetery. Hebrew weekly newspaper Kol Ha'ir, quoted Fava Lou, a social Israeli activist who was a deputy mayor of the Israeli municipality representing Meretz party, as saying that he saw during a tour in the cemetery different types of construction waste dumped in the cemetery as well as broken tombstones.
Lou stressed in a letter to the mayor: "I toured the Independence Park (Ma'man-Allah cemetery) and I was ashamed of what I saw, there in the garden is an old Muslim cemetery where some of its tombstones were vandalized and others were destroyed and the cemetery was very dirty and neglected for a long time."
He continued: "In the cemetery there is not just rubbish but also municipal belongings dumped near tombstones. Many people including tourists visit this place; how could they reason this neglect, which shows that in this place the dead, the Israeli municipality, and the city of Jerusalem are not being respected at all."
The Israeli municipality has been targeting Ma'man-Allah cemetery since the Israeli occupation of the holy city. It seized large parts of it, washed away a number of graves and began building public facilities on the remains of the dead, a practice that indicates no human or moral deterrent.
Press sources said that the Israeli municipality clearly neglects Ma'man-Allah cemetery. Hebrew weekly newspaper Kol Ha'ir, quoted Fava Lou, a social Israeli activist who was a deputy mayor of the Israeli municipality representing Meretz party, as saying that he saw during a tour in the cemetery different types of construction waste dumped in the cemetery as well as broken tombstones.
Lou stressed in a letter to the mayor: "I toured the Independence Park (Ma'man-Allah cemetery) and I was ashamed of what I saw, there in the garden is an old Muslim cemetery where some of its tombstones were vandalized and others were destroyed and the cemetery was very dirty and neglected for a long time."
He continued: "In the cemetery there is not just rubbish but also municipal belongings dumped near tombstones. Many people including tourists visit this place; how could they reason this neglect, which shows that in this place the dead, the Israeli municipality, and the city of Jerusalem are not being respected at all."
The Israeli municipality has been targeting Ma'man-Allah cemetery since the Israeli occupation of the holy city. It seized large parts of it, washed away a number of graves and began building public facilities on the remains of the dead, a practice that indicates no human or moral deterrent.
11 mar 2016
Hordes of Israeli extremist settlers, escorted by army forces, stormed at dawn Friday Palestinian lands in the evacuated Tersala settlement, in Jenin, and climbed over the rooftop of a local mosque.
A PIC journalist quoted local sources as stating that Israeli fanatics stormed the so-called Tersala settlement, built at the expense of Palestinians’ own lands in Jenin and evacuated since 2005.
The extremist settlers yelled racist chants before they flocked to the Jenin-Nablus street and stationed near the main entrance to Tersala settlement.
Israeli occupation troops were reportedly deployed across the area to protect the settlers all the way through the break-in.
A PIC journalist quoted local sources as stating that Israeli fanatics stormed the so-called Tersala settlement, built at the expense of Palestinians’ own lands in Jenin and evacuated since 2005.
The extremist settlers yelled racist chants before they flocked to the Jenin-Nablus street and stationed near the main entrance to Tersala settlement.
Israeli occupation troops were reportedly deployed across the area to protect the settlers all the way through the break-in.
10 mar 2016
Dozens of Jewish settlers on Thursday morning desecrated the Aqsa Mosque's courtyards under tight police guard.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that groups of 138 Jewish settlers, including 74 university students and one employee from the Israeli antiquities authority, entered the Mosque through al-Maghariba Gate.
Meanwhile, several Palestinian worshipers in the Mosque's courtyards chanted religious slogans in protest at the presence of the settlers.
In a related context, extremist Jewish groups incited their supporters to march en masse to the Aqsa Mosque during the coming days to mark the season of Jewish festivals.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that groups of 138 Jewish settlers, including 74 university students and one employee from the Israeli antiquities authority, entered the Mosque through al-Maghariba Gate.
Meanwhile, several Palestinian worshipers in the Mosque's courtyards chanted religious slogans in protest at the presence of the settlers.
In a related context, extremist Jewish groups incited their supporters to march en masse to the Aqsa Mosque during the coming days to mark the season of Jewish festivals.
The Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem are in need of 40 thousand housing units to alleviate residential crisis affecting the majority of them, according to the Jerusalemite expert Khalil Tafakji.
Khalil Tafaaji, head of maps department at the Arab Studies Society, said in a seminar on "housing in Jerusalem," Tuesday, that about one fifth of the Jerusalemites are living in illegal buildings threatened with demolition.
“These living conditions are reflecting on their social and health lives”. He pointed out that if Jerusalemites live outside the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem Center, they lose their Jerusalem identification card; therefore, they are forced to live in inadequate housing for human habitation or in buildings built without a permit in order to maintain the Jerusalem identification card.
Tafakji stressed that the demographic balance policy was a major reason of residential crisis of the Palestinians in Jerusalem, as the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) implemented a scheme of freezing residential construction so as to ban any future expansion and stop the development of existing buildings.
He explained that policies of confiscations, green areas, unorganized streets and areas, are the basis of this scheme. He added that it is almost impossible to obtain construction permits for Palestinians because there are no structural drawings for the Palestinian neighborhoods and because of procrastination in the preparation of these structural drawings or preparing structural drawings which do not meet the needs of the population to organized lands, in addition to allocating low construction rates which do not meet the needs of the Palestinian neighborhoods, ranging from (25% -75%) compared to the rates allocated for settlements (120% - 300%).
Tafakji emphasized that this geographical restrictions and lack of other alternatives to the Palestinian population resulted in the density of population in these neighborhoods; the density reaches up to 13,500 people/km2 compared to western Jerusalem’s 8,300 person/km2 and 900 people/km2 in the East Jerusalem settlements.
He stressed that as a result of Palestinian population increase, the Palestinians are in urgent need of 40 thousand housing units to alleviate their housing crisis in addition to 10 thousand housing units per year.
In his turn, Refat Nasir al-Din, Secretary of the Society, pointed out that the IOA sought after taking control of Jerusalem, to take over the administrative and real estate control of the city.
He also pointed to the Absentee Property Law of 1950 as an additional instrument the IOA uses to control the land that belonged to Palestinians and the seizure of Palestinian land and property by “legally” considering them as absentees depending on the Absentee Property Law.
He further mentioned the third generation law, which is one of the laws used by the Israeli occupation forces to expel the Palestinian population of the Old City of Jerusalem. He explained that it legitimizes the confiscation of property for the benefit of the Jews.
Khalil Tafaaji, head of maps department at the Arab Studies Society, said in a seminar on "housing in Jerusalem," Tuesday, that about one fifth of the Jerusalemites are living in illegal buildings threatened with demolition.
“These living conditions are reflecting on their social and health lives”. He pointed out that if Jerusalemites live outside the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem Center, they lose their Jerusalem identification card; therefore, they are forced to live in inadequate housing for human habitation or in buildings built without a permit in order to maintain the Jerusalem identification card.
Tafakji stressed that the demographic balance policy was a major reason of residential crisis of the Palestinians in Jerusalem, as the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) implemented a scheme of freezing residential construction so as to ban any future expansion and stop the development of existing buildings.
He explained that policies of confiscations, green areas, unorganized streets and areas, are the basis of this scheme. He added that it is almost impossible to obtain construction permits for Palestinians because there are no structural drawings for the Palestinian neighborhoods and because of procrastination in the preparation of these structural drawings or preparing structural drawings which do not meet the needs of the population to organized lands, in addition to allocating low construction rates which do not meet the needs of the Palestinian neighborhoods, ranging from (25% -75%) compared to the rates allocated for settlements (120% - 300%).
Tafakji emphasized that this geographical restrictions and lack of other alternatives to the Palestinian population resulted in the density of population in these neighborhoods; the density reaches up to 13,500 people/km2 compared to western Jerusalem’s 8,300 person/km2 and 900 people/km2 in the East Jerusalem settlements.
He stressed that as a result of Palestinian population increase, the Palestinians are in urgent need of 40 thousand housing units to alleviate their housing crisis in addition to 10 thousand housing units per year.
In his turn, Refat Nasir al-Din, Secretary of the Society, pointed out that the IOA sought after taking control of Jerusalem, to take over the administrative and real estate control of the city.
He also pointed to the Absentee Property Law of 1950 as an additional instrument the IOA uses to control the land that belonged to Palestinians and the seizure of Palestinian land and property by “legally” considering them as absentees depending on the Absentee Property Law.
He further mentioned the third generation law, which is one of the laws used by the Israeli occupation forces to expel the Palestinian population of the Old City of Jerusalem. He explained that it legitimizes the confiscation of property for the benefit of the Jews.
Tension ran high at the Damascus gate of al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem Wednesday morning after Israeli police forced a Palestinian woman to take off her clothes for search.
A female eyewitness told Quds Press that an Israeli female soldier ordered a Palestinian girl to take off her clothes in front of the public and the girl refused to obey the Israeli officer.
This led to high tension among Israeli soldiers and Palestinians who rushed to the scene.
The eyewitness affirmed that the Palestinian girl asked an Israeli male soldier to go away while she takes off her clothes, but he refused to do so leading to clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli policemen who replied by spraying Palestinians with pepper gas.
A female eyewitness told Quds Press that an Israeli female soldier ordered a Palestinian girl to take off her clothes in front of the public and the girl refused to obey the Israeli officer.
This led to high tension among Israeli soldiers and Palestinians who rushed to the scene.
The eyewitness affirmed that the Palestinian girl asked an Israeli male soldier to go away while she takes off her clothes, but he refused to do so leading to clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli policemen who replied by spraying Palestinians with pepper gas.
9 mar 2016
The Israeli MK and former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday evening toured Bab al-Amoud area near al-Aqsa Mosque.
Photos were published in Israeli websites showing Lieberman while provocatively roaming in the area under heavy police protection.
MK Lieberman also held a press conference in the area, where he called on Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu to expel Palestinian families of those suspected in carrying out anti-occupation attacks.
"Netanyahu’s policy has brought us to a very old period where Israelis were afraid to go out safely", he said.
Photos were published in Israeli websites showing Lieberman while provocatively roaming in the area under heavy police protection.
MK Lieberman also held a press conference in the area, where he called on Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu to expel Palestinian families of those suspected in carrying out anti-occupation attacks.
"Netanyahu’s policy has brought us to a very old period where Israelis were afraid to go out safely", he said.
The Israeli police forces brutally and savagely attacked on Wednesday afternoon Palestinian worshipers and peaceful sit-inners near al-Asbat Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates.
The PIC news reporter said that tensions prevailed in the holy shrine after Israeli forces prevented Hanadi Halawani from entering into the Mosque via al-Asbat Gate although she had served her 6-month access ban.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police allowed 45 settlers to enter the Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy military protection in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer in protest against the settlers’ presence.
During the protests, an old man suffered different injuries after being attacked by Israeli policemen.
The PIC news reporter said that tensions prevailed in the holy shrine after Israeli forces prevented Hanadi Halawani from entering into the Mosque via al-Asbat Gate although she had served her 6-month access ban.
Meanwhile, the Israeli police allowed 45 settlers to enter the Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy military protection in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer in protest against the settlers’ presence.
During the protests, an old man suffered different injuries after being attacked by Israeli policemen.
8 mar 2016
Many Israeli settlers stormed at dawn Tuesday Islamic archaeological sites north of Salfit under heavy Israeli forces’ protection.
Eyewitnesses affirmed that several Israeli vehicles stormed the area while carrying dozens of settlers who performed provocative Talmudic rituals.
Meanwhile, a number of local homes were stormed and searched with no arrests reported.
The settlers verbally assaulted local residents who were heading to a nearby mosque to perform dawn prayers.
Eyewitnesses affirmed that several Israeli vehicles stormed the area while carrying dozens of settlers who performed provocative Talmudic rituals.
Meanwhile, a number of local homes were stormed and searched with no arrests reported.
The settlers verbally assaulted local residents who were heading to a nearby mosque to perform dawn prayers.
The Palestinian Specialist in the contemporary History of Jerusalem Mutasem Nasser said that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has been seeking in vein since 1967 to find monuments that date back to the Suleiman or David eras in Occupied Jerusalem.
Quds Press quoted Nasser as saying that the Israeli archaeologist Israel Finkelstein affirmed more than once that Israel has not found out any Jewish archaeological discoveries since year 1967 under the Aqsa Mosque or any other location in Occupied Jerusalem based on his studies and research.
Nasser’s statements refuted Radio Israel's allegations that Israeli archaeologists discovered Jewish monuments in Silwan town near Occupied Jerusalem which date back to the first temple 2500 years ago.
He said that Silwan is a targeted town by the Israeli authorities and they attempted to call it “Town of David”.
The Palestinian specialist Nasser said the Israeli allegations have political Zionist goals aiming at demolishing the Aqsa Mosque. He pointed to the presence of discrepancies in the Israeli narrations on finding Jewish discoveries in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli sources have been issuing contradictory reports on finding monuments as they once reported discoveries beneath the town of Silwan and, in another occasion; they reported news on monuments under the Aqsa Mosque, he said.
Quds Press quoted Nasser as saying that the Israeli archaeologist Israel Finkelstein affirmed more than once that Israel has not found out any Jewish archaeological discoveries since year 1967 under the Aqsa Mosque or any other location in Occupied Jerusalem based on his studies and research.
Nasser’s statements refuted Radio Israel's allegations that Israeli archaeologists discovered Jewish monuments in Silwan town near Occupied Jerusalem which date back to the first temple 2500 years ago.
He said that Silwan is a targeted town by the Israeli authorities and they attempted to call it “Town of David”.
The Palestinian specialist Nasser said the Israeli allegations have political Zionist goals aiming at demolishing the Aqsa Mosque. He pointed to the presence of discrepancies in the Israeli narrations on finding Jewish discoveries in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli sources have been issuing contradictory reports on finding monuments as they once reported discoveries beneath the town of Silwan and, in another occasion; they reported news on monuments under the Aqsa Mosque, he said.
Fatah spokesman Ra'fat Aliyan has warned that there will be serious consequences for holding Jewish settlers' weddings at the Aqsa Mosque.
This came after rabbi Bentzi Gophstein, head of the terrorist group Lehava, announced that his son, Elyashiv, had tied the knot last Thursday at the Aqsa Mosque, claiming the action was aimed at emphasizing the religious right of the Jews to rebuild their temple.
Describing Gophstein's step as a serious violation against the Aqsa Mosque, Aliyan stressed that such provocative acts against the Islamic holy site would not go unnoticed and would evoke more angry reactions from the Palestinians.
He called on Jordan and all Arab and Islamic countries to urgently move to stop such violation from happening again and protect the Aqsa Mosque. He also urged the Palestinian factions to escalate their resistance operations against the Israeli occupation in response to the persistent Israeli violations against the Mosque.
This came after rabbi Bentzi Gophstein, head of the terrorist group Lehava, announced that his son, Elyashiv, had tied the knot last Thursday at the Aqsa Mosque, claiming the action was aimed at emphasizing the religious right of the Jews to rebuild their temple.
Describing Gophstein's step as a serious violation against the Aqsa Mosque, Aliyan stressed that such provocative acts against the Islamic holy site would not go unnoticed and would evoke more angry reactions from the Palestinians.
He called on Jordan and all Arab and Islamic countries to urgently move to stop such violation from happening again and protect the Aqsa Mosque. He also urged the Palestinian factions to escalate their resistance operations against the Israeli occupation in response to the persistent Israeli violations against the Mosque.
