JERUSALEM, July 18, 2017 (WAFA) - The National Coalition of Christian Organizations in Palestine (NCCOP) Tuesday warned that any Israeli measures aiming at changing the status quo within and around Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem will result in a political explosion based on religious grounds.

NCCOP said in a statement that since Jerusalem is a city under Israeli military occupation, all Israeli measures are in violation of international laws and also are belittling the religious feelings of the Palestinians.

“Because what is happening at Al-Aqsa Mosque can occur in all Christian and Muslim holy sites, we, NCCOP, appeal to the international community and the State of Vatican to oppose and resist these unjust measures no matter what justifications Israel poses,” said the statement.

“All Boards and members of NCCOP fully stand with the our Palestinian people in Jerusalem, Al Haram al Sharif (Al-Aqsa Mosque) and religious leadership in the face of these measures and we join them in prayers aspiring to the end of oppression in this holy city.”

The statement came in reaction to the installation by Israeli police of metal detectors outside the gates that lead to Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was strongly rejected by the Muslims as an attempt to change the long standing status quo in the occupied city and its holy places.

M.K.