LONDON, February 9, 2007 (WAFA) - Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) condemned Friday the Israeli excavations being carried out in the Al Aqsa Mosque.

PSC said in a press release "this is a clear provocation by Israel reminiscent of the military visit of Ariel Sharon in September 2000 which sparked the second Intifada."

"Palestinians protesting at this latest attack on their religious heritage are being attacked by 3,000 Israeli military forces in the Old City and at every gate leading to Jerusalem."

It added that "the fact that this is occurring at the moment when a national unity agreement has been reached under the auspices of the Saudi Arabian leadership should ensure that this Palestinian unity will be cemented and strengthened in its most pressing objective, the ending of Israeli occupation in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem."

PSC also welcomed agreement for Palestinian national unity at crucial time of increased Israeli aggression.

A.D (22:15P) (20:15GMT)