In an unprecedented step, Israel Police issued on January 17, 2018 a decision that bans the employees of the Rehabilitation Department at Al-Aqsa Mosque from carrying out renovation works inside the mosque. Reportedly, police threatened anyone who violates the decision of arrest and did detain some of the workers from the mosque at time.
The Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Omar Kiswani, told Land Research Center the following: "Israel's ban on rehabilitation works is unjust decision that directly targets Al-Aqsa Mosque, such measure will escalate tension in Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially within the escalation of attacks from the Israeli side"
The ban included the following works:
- Rehabilitating roof leaking issues in Al-Qibli and Al-Marwani mosques;
- Lighting and electricity;
- Floors;
- Electrical devices and speakers maintenance;
- Mosaic renovation;
- Plumbing works;
- Painting works and windows glass change'
- Planting and irrigating trees
It is clear that Israel is creating a new reality in Al-Aqsa Mosque and is imposing a de facto through such decisions, not mentioning deploying police forces at Al-Aqsa gates and inside the compound.
Reportedly, Israeli Occupation Authorities allowed increased numbers of colonists breaking into Al-Aqsa Mosque amidst intense protection from Israel Police to tour and wander the place. This is seen as the first step to impose full Israeli control on the mosque.
Prepared by
The Land Research Center
LRC
