Sheikh Salhab: Judaization of Buraq Square, a conspiracy

Sheikh Abdul Azim Salhab, President of the Council of the Islamic Waqf in Al-Quds, confirmed that Zionist regime’s plans to Judaize the city of Al-Quds are being implemented rapidly.

Sheikh Salhab said in a press statement on Sunday, commenting on Zionist schemes to Judaize Buraq Square, "Every day we hear of the Israeli occupation authority's (IOA) declaration of its plans aimed at Judaizing the Holy City, trying to take the greater number of steadfast citizens out of their city by issuing demolition orders, preventing worshipers from access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and deliberately killing worshipers during their return from prayers as what happened to martyr Ziyad Joulani last Friday."

He highlighted that Israel's actions confirm that it was continuing in its policy of racism, in displacing Jerusalem's population and firmly Judaizing the city.  Sheikh Salhab regarded the new declaration of Israel's plans in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque as a plot to take control of the area, to prevent Muslims from access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to take control of it.

Sheikh Salhab said that the IOA impedes restoration of the ancient Islamic mosque, which is in constant need of restoration work, and attempts to keep the Islamic Waqf from managing, maintaining, and restoring the mosque.

He said, All of this sets off alarm bells ahead of us, the citizens stationed in this city, and we are accountable for the dire need to congregate around this mosque and to hold regular prayers in it at all times.

The Waqf President warned of Zionist regime’s conspiracies against Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque, demanding that suffering of the city's inhabitants be alleviated and the Israeli occupation be ended.

Commenting on the IOA's decision to place an age limit on worshipers for the second consecutive week, Sheikh Salhab said, "This is an unacceptable and unjust Zionist action.  The IOA failed miserably in its claims to guarantee freedom of worship."  He stressed, "We are in occupied territory, and international norms and conventions oblige the IOA to secure access to places of worship."