Bab Al Rahma Chapel in Al Aqsa Mosque vandalised

Agencies | Ramallah                                                 

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Palestinians have condemned repeated Israeli attacks on the Bab Al Rahma Chapel in Al Aqsa Mosque, saying the site has been vandalised, while worshippers face daily threats and abuse.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said Bab Al Rahma was an integral part of Al Aqsa and only Muslims had the right to control its affairs. Removal of items from the chapel and its vandalisation by Israel were unacceptable, he added.

Ramzi Khoury, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation executive committee, said settler groups raised Israeli flags in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque yesterday and performed religious rituals.

He described the Israeli actions as an “unprecedented aggression against the sanctity of Al Aqsa, a desecration of its religious status, and a provocation to Muslims all over the world.” Israeli forces’ repeated attacks on Bab Al Rahma would not give Israel any sovereignty over Al Aqsa Mosque or Jerusalem, as “it is an occupied Palestinian city with its Islamic and Christian sanctities according to the relevant international legitimacy resolutions,” he added.

Rawhi Fattouh, president of the Palestinian National Council, called on the international community to curb the “criminal madness” of the Israeli government and its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.