Illegal Israeli settlers burn historic Hamidiya mosque, near Bethlehem

Israeli settlers torch historic mosque near Bethlehem

Date: 02 / 01 / 2008 Time: 10:55

Bethlehem – Ma'an Exclusive –

Illegal Israeli settlers set fire to a historic mosque in the West Bank town of Al-Khader, near Bethlehem on Tuesday, Palestinian farmers and municipal officials said.

Witnesses said that the settlers confiscated 20 boxes of beehives, piled them inside the Al-Hamidiya Mosque, and torched them.

Recently refurbished by local residents and a grant from the Islamic endowment ministry, the mosque is believed to be 700 years old. An imam was appointed for the mosque two years ago.

Palestinian farmers who tend their grooves during the day, which are behind the illegal Israeli Land-Grab, Apartheid Wall, hold daily prayers at the mosque, wince it is difficult for them to go to other mosques because of Israeli occupation forces restrictions on their movement.

The mosque is located in an area called Faghur ruins, and near the illegal Israeli settlements of Efrata and El'azar.

The municipal council of Al-Khader condemned the attack and appealed to international organizations to intervene and protect the places of worship.

They also appealed to the Palestinian Ministries of Endowments and Tourism to repair the mosque and protect it and the surrounding lands from attacks of illegal Israeli settlers.

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