Muslim Council of Elders condemns Israeli aggression in Jerusalem

AMMAN — The Muslim Council of Elders on Thursday issued a statement from Amman, condemning the Israeli practices aimed at changing the character of East Jerusalem and reality in its holy shrines.

They cited the Israeli excavations under Al Haram Al Sharif/Al Aqsa Mosque compound, driven by the “myth of the temple”.

Following a meeting attended by HRH Prince Ghazi, the King’s personal envoy and adviser for religious and cultural affairs, the Elders slammed Israel for the attacks carried out by occupation troops targeting the sanctuary as well as its plans to divide Al Aqsa, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In the statement, the council said it is following up on the recent events that took place in Jerusalem, mainly the recurrent acts of aggression by the Israelis at Al Aqsa, especially those taking place since August 23, 2015.

The attacks are a clear violation of human and religious values, as well as a violation of the international law, the statement said. 

The council said it views the assaults as part of Israel’s old “Judaisation plan”, adding that such a scheme has become increasingly clear in light of the measures taken by the occupation state, such as seizing lands and property in the holy city to establish a new geopolitical reality there.

Furthermore, building Jewish settlements, evacuating Palestinians and triggering turbulence in Jerusalem are all part of the Judaisation plan, aimed at making Jewish settlers outnumber Palestinian residents in the holy city.

Therefore, the Muslim Council of Elders condemned the recurrent Israeli attacks, adding that Al Aqsa Mosque is not sharable or divisible under any circumstances. 

The council urged the international community and UN organisations to stop the Judaisation attempts of Jerusalem that aim to obliterate its Islamic and Christian character and expel Muslim and Christian residents from the city.

Moreover, the council called for all Muslims to focus on the Jerusalem cause and work on saving Al Aqsa Mosque, in order to end the barbaric Israeli assaults and destruction. 

After the meeting, Chairman of the Assembly of Muslims and the Fatwa Committee in Nigeria Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Al Hussaini told Petra that Muslim problems in Palestine are not only the problems of the Arab nations but also  they concern all Muslims. 

The council comprises Muslim scholars, experts and dignitaries known for their being a voice of reason, sense of justice, independence and moderation, working together to promote peace, discourage infighting and address sources of conflict, divisiveness and fragmentation within Muslim communities.