Criticism of Israeli Actions in Jerusalem Continues as Israeli Army Attacks Worshippers

Friday February 09, 2007 14:34 by Rami Almeghari - IMEMC&Agencies

While Israeli army attacked Friday Muslim worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied east Jerusalem, more criticism has been reported against Israeli digging around the mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims worldwide.

Al-Aqsa Mosque of Jerusalem

The Arab States League will hold Saturday an emergency meeting at the level of permanent representatives to discuss latest developments.

The United Nation’s Arab states group demanded the UN Security Council for an intervention to stop the Israeli digging, as well as debating on the issue in next month’s security council session on the Middle East.

A statement by the Arab representatives read “the UN Security Council should take immediate measures in a bid to put an end to the Israeli violations and guarantee Israel’s respect of the International Humanitarian Law and the security council’s resolutions” .

The statement condemned the Israeli ‘aggressive’ escalation against the Islamic holy sites and Waqf areas in the occupied east Jerusalem.

UNESCO, in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, called for the respect of cultural legacy and stopping the Israeli digging around the Al-Aqsa mosque, which would fuel further tension between the Palestinians and Israel.

Cairo summoned Israel’s ambassador, conveying its deep concern over the Israeli digging, voicing belief they would undermine underway efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Saudi Arabia condemned the actions, calling them ‘provocative’ to Muslims’ feelings worldwide and demanding that the international community pressure Israel to swiftly halt such works.

Palestinian bodies including Muslim clerics and concerned organizations called Friday 'a Day of Wrath’ in protest against the Israeli digging around the mosque, especially the historical area of Bab Almagharba gate.

jerusalem | holy sites | news report rami at imemc dot org