Jerusalem Mufti calls for an end to 'Israeli terrorism' against religious sanctuaries

The Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein.

The Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, has drawn attention to Israel's continued violation of freedom of worship in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories.

Sheikh Hussein asserted that the Israeli government's recent announcement that it would be closing the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers for two days next month because of the upcoming Jewish holidays, is a gross encroachment on religious sanctuaries and the right of Muslims to worship.

The announcement coincides with the attacks against Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip by the Israeli government and its illegal settlers. This is being viewed by many as a clear indication of the collaboration between the official Israeli authorities and the illegal settlers in violating the rights of Palestinians and their sanctuaries.

In a statement issued on Tuesday 13th March, the Chairman of the Supreme Legal Advisory Council stressed the necessity of putting a stop to "organised Israeli terrorism". He rejected the justifications put forward by the government in explanation for policies he described as "arrogant, and contravene the values of both divine legislature and international law, as well as international agreements which protect freedom of access to places of worship."

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