The head of the Higher Islamic Council in occupied al-Quds and Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque denounced the installment of an elevator at the western wall of the al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation, considering it “part of a major plan to Judaize the area around the mosque.”
Sheikh Ekrima Sabri slammed the Israeli plot, relaying that the occupation claims it helps facilitate the access of elderly Zionists and people with special needs into the holy site, as well as prepare the area for the aerial tramways that have been under construction for some time.
He further affirmed that “this is an attack on Islamic mortmain property because the land being built upon belongs to the Islamic Endowments [Awqaf] Authority.”
Sheikh Sabri referred to the elevator project as an Israeli assault on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing that the western wall is an integral part of the Islamic sacred site. He cautioned that the project is intended to alter the landscape in occupied al-Quds and around the mosque, aiming to assert the Israeli regime’s dominance over the holy city.
The Israeli occupation has long been notorious for its violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the holiest site in occupied Palestine, which have sought to change the status quo at the Islamic holy site.
Ben-Gvir says would build synagogue on Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
In August, Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on Monday that he would build a synagogue in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied city of al-Quds, sparking widespread criticism within the Israeli government.
Ben-Gvir told the Israeli Army Radio that “the policies on the Temple Mount allow prayer, period,” referring to the Jewish name of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
After “Israel’s” occupation of the eastern part of al-Quds, it made an arrangement that permitted Jews to visit al-Aqsa Mosque but not perform rituals there.
However, in recent years, the increasing number of Israeli settlers, some performing provocative rituals accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, has heightened longstanding Palestinian concerns that “Israel” intends to occupy the sacred Islamic site.
“The premier knows that when I joined the government I said in the simplest way that there will be no discrimination at the Temple Mount, just like Muslims can pray at the Western Wall,” Ben-Gvir said, establishing a clear intent to change the status quo.
In response, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss Ben-Gvir from his role overseeing the police, warning that his “lack of thinking could be paid for in blood.”
