Israeli authorities grant lands to settlers near Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

ByNews Desk- The Cradle 

Institutions and authorities have recently revealed cracks in the floor of Al-Aqsa Mosque, following Israel's constant excavations over the years

Israeli newspaper Haaretz says that the Ministry of Justice in Tel Aviv has begun the process to register land adjacent to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as Jewish property.

The newspaper said that registration procedures have an official budget prepared to “reduce the gaps and improve the quality of life of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem.”

However, according to Israeli news agency, Haaretz, that budget is “earmarked” for Palestinians only, and that the funds are instead being used to register land near the Temple Mount for exclusive Jewish use.

According to Haaretz, “the registration process in the area could spark protests from the Waqf” endowments, the Islamic trust fund for the mosque and its surrounding areas.

Institutions and authorities have revealed cracks in the floor of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as a result of continuous Israeli excavations over the years.

The Council of Endowments, Islamic Affairs and Holy Sanctuaries have stated that Elad settler organization and the Israeli Antiquities Authority have been conducting “suspicious and mysterious excavations” in the vicinity of the compound, specifically in the western and southern sides.

Earlier this month, Palestinian resistance movement Hamas expressed their outrage over Israeli excavation works at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, and called for an immediate end to the work.

Hamas made a statement on 23 June, saying that excavations pose a structural threat to the mosque compound, the third holiest site for Muslims.

The statement read: “The continued excavations being carried out by the Zionist occupation authorities in the areas of the Buraq Wall (also known as the Western Wall) and Umayyad Palace pose a direct threat to the foundations and walls of the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque, and are an attempt to obliterate the Islamic and historical identities of the city of Al-Quds.”

Hamas warned Tel Aviv that they would be responsible for tensions between the Israelis and Palestinians, and would eventually face the “repercussions of such serious violations.”

The resistance movement has sought intervention from the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Jordan, which has custody of Al-Aqsa Mosque, “to urgently stop these malicious colonial schemes and protect Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

On 30 April, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar warned that increased escalation by Israeli forces and extremist settlers would justify intense retaliatory attacks from the resistance forces in Palestine and the region.