Islamic leaders, including Chief Justice Sheikh Taysir Al
Tamimi, are expressing deep concern over the Israeli government
excavation of a new tunnel near the Al Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem’s
Old City.
The Israeli administration is using the proximity of the Jewish Wailing Wall in East Jerusalem to further disrupt the Muslim holy site and its environs. Continued excavation constitutes a real threat to the foundation and the walls of the Al Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest places in Islam.
Al Tamimi stated that such an act violates all international laws and norms, as well as the principles of major religions, including Judaism, which calls for the maintenance of places of worship.
The leader added that ongoing attacks on the Al Aqsa Mosque are likened to attacks on every Muslim in the world in the continue Judaization of the capital of the future Palestinian state.
Al Tamimi told PNN Saturday that he believes the excavation is not being done for archeological purposes, but rather with the intent of destroying the mosque. He stressed that Muslims will not remain silent about such actions, and that the dangerous situation created by the Israeli government will affect the stability of not only the region, but also the entire world.
The Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, has been politicized for some time. For years, Israeli authorities have violated international law in their refusal to allow worshippers access to the Mosque, particularly egregious during the holy month of Ramadan.
