Israel's Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque Aimed at All Palestinians
"Israel's attacks on the Aqsa Mosque are aimed at both Muslims and Christians, and when churches come under attack, the Muslims and Christians together are targeted too because the occupation targets the Arab Palestinian on this land and his national unity and coherence," Father Hanna stated in press remarks to Quds Press.
He expressed his rejection of all Israeli measures at the Aqsa Mosque, including its entry restrictions on Muslims and its repeated closure of the holy site.
"Such measures are unacceptable, barbaric, uncivilized and inhumane. The Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and it must not in any way be closed or violated."
"The occupation has no right to claim or close it. It belongs to our Muslim brothers and they have alone the right to enter it to perform prayers at all times."
The Archbishop also condemned the Zionist regime Knesset's intention to legislate the Israeli interference in the Mosque's affairs.
"The Knesset as all Israeli institutions is not entitled and has no right to discuss any matter related to the Aqsa Mosque because it is along with Jerusalem under occupation and everything done by the occupation authorities by the force of occupation is illegal and illegitimate."
Father Hanna also slammed the silence of the Arab countries on Israel's escalation of events in occupied Jerusalem and their preoccupation with internal conflicts, warning that the Israeli occupation has taken advantage of the unstable situation in the region to carry out its plans in the holy city.
He said Israel pursues crooked and illegal ways to execute its racist plans and lay its hands on Palestinian property and homes as well as Islamic and Christian Awqaf (endowments) in Jerusalem.
Source: The Palestinian Information Center
