OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (PIC) — The Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Holy Places announced that the Israeli occupation authorities are continuing with the excavations at al-Magharba gate of the Aqsa Mosque.
The Foundations said in a statement that the occupation authorities built tents over the digs and stopped the media from filming or getting close to the site of excavations.
The Foundation added that the occupation authorities have started the demolition of two rooms under the Magharba gate and adjacent to the Western wall of the Aqsa and the Buraq Mosque.
The Foundation also said that Israeli bulldozers are destroying historic buildings around the Magharba gate to increase the leveled area in front of the Western wall to allow Jewish women worshippers participate in prayers at the wall.
Zahi Njeidat spokesman for the Islamic movement in 1948 occupied Palestine commented on occupation’s decision to install cameras at the Magharba gate to air live footage of what is going on there by saying: “the fact is the excavations are still ongoing at the Magharba gate and this is what we reject and we will continue our legitimate efforts to defend the blessed Aqsa Mosque.”
Israeli police in large numbers surrounded on Thursday afternoon the protest tent which was setup by the Islamic movement near the Aqsa Mosque and where tens of Palestinians are keeping a vigil in an attempt to intimidate the protesters.
