Palestine is deeply concerned over Israeli excavations under Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning that they endanger its structures.
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein, said that the Israeli excavations southwest of Al-Aqsa Mosque increased in the recent period to include multiple places at the same time.
Sheikh Hussein indicated the excavations are within Israel's Judaizing plans, warning that the occupation is exploiting the lockdown measures to carry out further digs.
He warned that the latest Israeli excavations are close to al-Buraq Square and near al- Mughrabi Gate, warning that could weaken the foundations of the Mosque and lead to its demolition.
Excavations under the Mosque have been ongoing for years but have recently become a source of great concern after Israeli authorities increased the works, creating cracks in Bab al-Rahma prayer hall.
The Islamic Endowments Department detected “disturbing” vibrations near al-Buraq Square in the mosque.
The Department issued a statement indicating that a bulldozer, a large digger, and huge machines carried out continuous digs at the beginning of the wooden bridge in al-Buraq Square.
It confirmed that its members at the outskirts of the Mosque monitor with great concern the excavations, noting that their intensity is worrisome.
It warned that Israel is continuing with its project of Judaizing al-Buraq Square and the southwest of al-Aqsa.
The Department warned against these projects, saying they violate international humanitarian law and UNESCO decisions issued in this regard.
The director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Omar Kiswani, declared that Israel was seeking to expand the Western Wall Plaza “so that it could receive the largest number of Jewish settlers who would storm Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
Kiswani described the digs as part of Israel's scheme to turn the Western Wall plaza into an exclusively Jewish area.
He added that the exact depth of the excavations and their impact remains unknown because the reconstruction committee is banned from carrying out restoration operations in the Mosque and its squares.
Kiswani confirmed that there is a Palestinian-Jordanian joint action to stop these excavations that aim to change the structures of ancient Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called upon the Security Council to assume its political, legal, and moral responsibilities to end the Israeli crimes against al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Ministry condemned the occupation's excavations in al-Buraq Square, the western wall of the al-Aqsa Mosque, and near al-Mughrabi Gate, as part of the plan to Judaize the area.
It warned that these digs are a flagrant violation of the relevant UN resolutions, notably the UNESCO decisions.
Earlier, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry called on Israel to “immediately” end all excavations in al-Buraq Square.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Deifallah Fayez reiterated Jordan's refusal and denouncement of all unilateral Israeli measures in the occupied East Jerusalem, in the Old City, and in the vicinity of al-Aqsa Mosque, saying they are in violation of international law.
Jordan is the official supervisor of al-Aqsa Mosque, based on international agreements and the agreements with Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) as well.
