Al-Quds Governorate Warns Israeli Excavations Could Endanger Al-Aqsa Foundations
The governorate’s advisor, Marouf al-Rifai, cautioned that continued digging, including tunnels linking several settlement-related sites, could undermine the area beneath Al-Aqsa, WAFA news agency reported on Thursday.
He said the works “could cause the destruction of some Palestinian landmarks, such as historic homes and ancient schools, as well as affect the soil beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque, threatening the stability of its foundations.”
He argued that the excavations “lack a scientific methodology and constitute a violation of the status quo,” adding that they are politically driven.
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Al-Rifai also said Israeli occupation forces had entered a town near Al-Quds and issued demolition notices against workshops and factories producing metal and furniture.
He added that the orders were part of a long-term plan to construct new infrastructure — including a road, roundabout and bridge connecting the Anata junction to the Hizma checkpoint — and claimed authorities aim to clear Palestinian-owned buildings along the planned route under various pretexts, including the absence of building permits and their location near the separation wall.
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The governorate’s remarks came amid continued violations in and around the Al-Aqsa compound. Earlier on Thursday, groups of Israeli settlers stormed the Muslim place of worship under extensive police and military protection. Eyewitnesses told WAFA that the groups moved through the compound in successive tours.
In recent weeks, Israeli authorities have tightened security measures at the gates and surrounding areas of the Al-Aqsa compound, deploying additional personnel to secure settler entries, according to the report.
Source: Agencies
