Al-Aqsa Foundation Warns against Demolishing Mosque Passage

JERUSALEM, October 26, 2011 (WAFA) – The al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage in Jerusalem Wednesday warned of dangerous repercussions if the Israeli municipality proceeds to demolish Magharbe Gate passage to al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City.

If implemented, it said, it would lead to the demolition of a section of the Mosque itself.

The Foundation called in a press release on the Arab and Islamic world to take immediate action to save al-Aqsa mosque from the Israeli occupation plans.

It said the Israeli decision to demolish the passage, which is in the shape of a wooden overpass that connects the yard of the Western Wall below to al-Aqsa compound, clearly shows Israeli determination to demolish a section of the mosque rather than what it claims that it is simply demolishing a temporary wooden bridge.

“We have repeatedly unveiled through maps, documents and pictures the dimension of the Israeli plan to demolish Magharbe Gate and to build another one in its place as it aims to build a fortified bridge for military reasons to facilitate large scale incursions of fully equipped Israeli forces, settlers and Jewish groups into the Mosque area,” it said.

It considered implementing such a decision as part of targeting al-Aqsa Mosque to assume full control over it through building tunnels and synagogues, which are part of a comprehensive plan to turn it into a Jewish site.

It added that the demolition of the gate could cause damage and cracks in the structure of al-Aqsa Mosque, especially in its western wall, similar to what happened several years ago.

The mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, also warned of the consequences of demolishing the passage.

“This Israeli aggression aims to control all entrances to al-Aqsa Mosque thus allowing the occupation forces and herds of settlers to break into the Mosque as they want, leading to serious complications which affects the security of the Mosque and the Muslim worshipers,” he said.

He added that the passage, which the Israeli authorities have tampered with several years ago, would not have become in danger of collapse if it was not for the ongoing Israeli digging underneath the Mosque.

“Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to Muslims in all parts of the world and no one else has the right to manage, supervise and take care of its affairs,” he said.

The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem claimed that Magharbe Gate passage was in danger of collapse or fire and must be demolished within 30 days.

Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA