Israeli police detaining the head of the Waqf restoration department and a staff member. (Photo courtesy of the Waqf) 

JERUSALEM, Thursday, June 13, 2019 (WAFA) – Israeli police detained today the head of the restoration and reconstruction department of the Islamic Waqf, which is in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in Jerusalem’s Old City, according to Waqf officials.

They said police detained Bassam Hallaq, head of the department, Taha Oweidah, an engineer, and Mohammad Hidra, a staff, from inside Al-Aqsa compound.

No reason was given for the detention.

The department is in charge of restoration and upkeep of the Muslim holy site, which Israel is trying to keep under its control while it prevents the Muslim Waqf from carrying out any restoration without its permission first.

M.K.