Higher Arab Monitoring Committee visits al-Aqsa Mosque
Forum members visit Temple Mount compound in wake of controversy, riots. Head of Islamic al-Aqsa Association demands true nature of excavations be revealed; Jerusalem mufti says riots 'result of occupation's policies'
Members of the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee visited the Temple Mount compound Wednesday, in the wake of growing tension surrounding the al-Aqsa Mosque.
The visit was coordinated with the capital's police.
The Arab officials claimed Israel was, indeed, excavating under the compound. Sheikh Kamal Rayan, head of the Islamic al-Aqsa Association told Ynet that the committee "wants to know exactly where the excavations are being conducted and why they are being kept a secret.
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"The Jews are laying groundwork and building synagogues around the mosque and we are kept in the dark. We are kept from entering al-Aqsa," he added, "Kept from observing out faith and customs.
"It seems as if the Arabs' (access to the compound) is restricted every Jewish holiday. This is provocation. We are against violence and this is a law-abiding state, but you have to allow Muslim freedom of religion, not issue collective punishment. It's a fundamental right.
Arriving at the mosque (Photo: Dudi Vaaknin)
Rayan urged Israel to exercise transparency: "Show us our mosque is in no danger. Let's have a civilized dialogue. If al-Aqsa is in no jeopardy I will call for unity and brotherhood."
The Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Mohammad Hussein added: "All attempts by the Israeli occupation to divide the Palestinians, be they in the West Bank, Gaza Strip or Jerusalem, will fail."
The recent riots, he added, "Are the product of the occupation… If religious equality were exercised we wouldn’t have such problems. Jewish extremists would go as far as endangering the mosque – they declare as much day in and day out – that is what has brought on the recent day's events."
As for the possibility of the capital's Arabs clashing with security forces after Friday's prayers, the mufti said that "As long as the police do not keep worshipers from entering al-Aqsa and keep Jewish groups away, we will do everything in our power to keep the peace."
'Franco statement condescending'
Knesset member Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) commented on Jerusalem District Police Commander Aharon Franco's statements that Arab-Israelis are ungrateful: "That's nonsense. We don't need any favors, he should shut up and allow all Muslims to enter and pray. It's a condescending and arrogant thought."
Referring to the recent protest he said, "There's an accumulation of circumstances which led to rage, including the Judaisation of Jerusalem, eviction of Arabs from their homes, house demolition, inequality in building permits and refusal to negotiate on Jerusalem. All this led to rage and anger being expressed based on the plans to change the status quo in the mosque."
Tibi also addressed the statements made my Sheikh Raed Salah: "The call to come and defend al-Aqsa is not against the law." Speaking of the police presence the Knesset member remarked, "The presence of the State of Israel's Police and the Jerusalem Police here is temporary."
Tibi stated he does not believe a third Intifada will break in the coming days, "however, if the dead-end sustains, the prime minister sticks to withholding negotiations on Jerusalem, and the Palestinians' feeling of suffocation continues, there shall be difficulties in the future."
The MK added that the ground breaking ceremony Wednesday near Jabal Mukaber is one of the instigators for the riots around Jerusalem.
Knesset Member Talab El-Sana also arrived at the scene and stated, "The police and decision makers are the ones calling the shots."
"If it weren't for the recent days' foolish decision, everything would have been in order. We need negotiations instead of forcefulness, and also some brains. The police should not be part of this," El-Sana added.
Referring to Sheikh Salah's statements he commented, "In the entire Muslim world al-Aqsa is a red line and we are obligated to defend it. These things are postulates, warnings and not a threat."
