25/10/2025
The Jerusalem Governorate warned against the continued Israeli excavation works around Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Adviser to the Jerusalem Governorate, Marouf Al-Rifai, warned in an interview with WAFA against the continuation of old and new Israeli excavation works under Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly the digging of tunnels linking several colonial sites. This is part of a plan to Judaize historical and Islamic landmarks in the Old City of Jerusalem, which contravenes Islamic law.
He explained that these tunnels connect what the occupation authorities call the "City of David," passing through passages constructed in the form of stone walls. Most of these tunnels were originally historical waterways that were dried up and converted into tunnels, museums, and synagogues. One of these tunnels, known as the "Jabbana Market," was transformed into a Jewish tourist trail, threatening the infrastructure under Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Rifai stated that "the excavations could cause the destruction of some Palestinian landmarks, such as historic homes and ancient schools, as well as affect the soil beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque, threatening the stability of its foundations. He said, "The excavations lack a scientific methodology and constitute a violation of the status quo, confirming that they are purely politically motivated."
He emphasized that the tunnels seek to impose Israeli control over the holy sites in Jerusalem, a move that raises concerns about the future of the Holy City and its Palestinian identity. They are part of a long-term political project aimed at Judaizing the Old City and changing its features.
He pointed out that the Israeli excavations focus on destroying religious landmarks, including the walls of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the surrounding areas, in an attempt to impose Israeli control over Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. He explained that Israel is demolishing existing landmarks and altering their location in a manner consistent with the Israeli narrative.
These excavations are being carried out secretly or semi-secretly, far from any international oversight, and they affect the foundations of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its historical landmarks, threatening to undermine its architectural stability, in a Judaization effort to prove that "Jerusalem is a Jewish city."
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