JERICHO, March 21, 2018 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Mine Action Center (PMAC) started on Tuesday in cooperation with the British-based HALO Trust, the world’s largest humanitarian mine clearance organization, demining the baptismal site in the Jericho area on the eastern borders of Palestine, a Palestinian Ministry of Interior statement said on Wednesday.

It said that what makes this step imperative is that this site is holy for Christians, in addition to its touristic significance.

Israel mined the Baptism of Christ area on the River Jordan, holy to millions of Christians around the world and the location of several ancient churches and monasteries, following its occupation of the West Bank in June 1967.

Christian visits to the site stopped for many years and with the demining decision, the Palestinian ministries of interior and tourism hope to make it safe again to Christian pilgrims and visitors.

PMAC was established in accordance with a resolution by the Palestinian Minister of Interior on 2012 and entrusted to remove thousands of mines, explosive devices or war remnants in the Palestinian areas.

C.K./M.K.