Buraq Square development plan aimed at erasing Islamic identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque

[ 22/11/2010 - 05:35 PM ]

MAKKAH, (PIC)--

Palestinian religious affairs minister in Gaza, Dr. Talib Abu Sha’ar, warned Sunday that the NIS 85 million project that the Israeli occupation government approved this week to develop Al-Aqsa Mosque’s Buraq Square, known to Jews as the Wailing Wall, is aimed at erasing and Judaizing the Islamic history of the region.

The budget, which was allocated to expand and develop the square, increase the number of Jewish visitors to the site, and fund archaeological digging, will be placed before concerned ministries over the next four years.

Abu Sha’ar said he was concerned about the sharp increase in Israeli projects targeting Jerusalem monuments and Islamic holy sites, while assigning specific blame to right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his responsibility for the implementation of the project and management of its budget.

The Palestinian minister called on all Arab and international officials to defend Jerusalem, its holy sites, and people from Israel injustices practiced against them through developmental projects in the holy city on one hand, and Israel’s legalization of Judaization in the city on the other.

'Israel's Buraq Sqare development project part of plan to impose fait accompli'

[ 23/11/2010 - 10:23 AM ]

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)--

Jerusalem Grand Mufti Mohammed Hussain warned that the new Israeli occupation government project to develop Al-Aqsa Mosque’s Buraq Square, known by Jews as the Wailing Wall, is aimed at erasing the Islamic identity and converting the religious traits of the area.

The Sheikh added that Israeli authorities seek to eradicate every last Islamic and Arab landmark in Jerusalem under the framework of a programmed policy aimed at imposing a fait accompli (facts) on the ground.

After approving the NIS 50 million plan to develop the Buraq Square, Israel has been digging beneath the mosque, destroying Islamic monuments, and raising new Jewish structures.  The Shaikh said the ultimate plan was to convert the area into a Jewish site and eventually take control. He confirmed that every last corridor and segment of the mosque is for the Muslims alone.

Gaza politician Musheer Al-Masri said the Israeli occupation government races to impose a fait accompli in Jerusalem by Judaizing the Aqsa Mosque, altering the city’s landmarks, and displacing its public officials and residents.

The Change and Reform party bloc spokesman said Monday: “Resistance, and steadfastness option is the most effective way to put an end to Israel’s continued abuse of Islamic holy sites.”

“[Israel] does not believe in the language of peace, but the language of eradication of the Palestinian people and Islamic sanctities.”

Masri called Palestinian peace talk efforts attempts at begging. “At this time Israel’s practices show no intentions of restoring the rights of the Palestinian people through negotiations.”