The Jerusalem Governorate has issued a dire warning that ongoing Israeli excavations near and under the Al-Aqsa Mosque and in the Old City could lead to a partial collapse of the mosque's structure.
Marouf al-Rifai, an advisor to the Governorate, specifically warned against "old and new Israeli excavation works," including the digging of tunnels linking "colonial sites." Al-Rifai asserted that the excavations, which he claimed "lack a scientific methodology" and are "purely politically motivated," threaten the stability of Al-Aqsa's foundations and could destroy historic Palestinian homes and schools.
In a separate but related development, groups of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Thursday under heavy army protection. Eyewitnesses reported the settlers entered the compound in groups and conducted "provocative tours." This comes amid recently tightened Israeli security measures and an increased military presence around the compound to secure these incursions.
Furthermore, the advisor noted that Israeli forces raided a town entrance to distribute demolition orders for Palestinian-owned workshops and factories.
This move is reportedly part of a larger plan to build a new road, roundabout, and bridge connecting the Anata junction to the Hizma checkpoint, with Israeli authorities seeking to remove all Palestinian structures along the planned route, often citing pretexts like lack of permits.
