UN Body Slams Zionist Regime’s Handling of Al-Aqsa Mosque
After last-minute changes, however, the resolution approved by UNESCO’s executive board dropped a clause laying claim to Jerusalem’s Western Wall as a holy site for Muslims only, France 24 reported.
That clause had been proposed by several Muslim countries and would have stated that the Western Wall was an integral part of the al-Aqsa mosque compound.
The resolution adopted on Wednesday said UNESCO condemned restrictions of freedom of worship at the al Aqsa mosque and reaffirmed other complaints about Israeli management of holy sites.
UNESCO did not immediately provide a copy of the resolution adopted following protracted negotiations.
The news from UNESCO headquarters coincided with international endeavors to calm violence in which at least 46 Palestinians died.
The turmoil has been triggered in part by increased Jewish encroachment on the al-Aqsa compound.
The resolution was adopted with 26 votes in favor and six against, including the United States, Britain and Germany against. There were 25 abstentions including France, diplomats said.
Jerusalem’s old city and walls are on a list of world heritage sites whose protection is one of the jobs entrusted to UNESCO.
