RAMALLAH, January 17, 2018 (WAFA) – Staff of the Jordan-run Islamic Awqaf department Wednesday organized a protest against Israeli interference in Al-Aqsa Mosque’s mantaince work, of which they are in charge.  

Sheikh Omar Kiswani, head of Masjid Al-Aqsa said during the protest that the decision is unfair and pointless. He said this is the duty and the right of the Islamic Awqaf to maintain the mosque and anything else is considered a violation.     

Israeli police Tuesday prevented staff of the Awqaf from conducting routine maintenance works at al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Feras Debes, a media coordinator of the Islamic Awqaf, said an Israeli police officer forced his way into the construction office and informed staff there that all maintenance works at the holy compound are banned until further notice.

The police officer also informed them that the Awqaf deputy director of construction projects Taha Awidah will be detained if employees conduct maintenance works at the site. The police gave no reason for this order. 

M.H.