IOA TRANSFORMS ISLAMIC LANDMARKS IN JERUSALEM INTO PUBLIC BATHS

Jerusalem, 20 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/10 February 2015 (MINA) – The Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) is working on transforming the ancient Islamic landmarks and estates located to the west of Aqsa Mosque into public baths for Jews and tourists.

Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said, in a statement on Monday, the IOA has turned Islamic landmarks in the area, known as Um al-Banat Bridge within al-Magharebah neighborhood, which is fifty meters far from the holy Mosque, into public baths, Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The Foundation said the project aims at attracting the Jews as well as foreign tourists who wish to visit Buraq Square which has been used by Jews as a site to perform Talmudic rituals.

“This Judaization step comes within a project called Strauss House which is under construction. Recently, the IOA has been remarkably escalating construction works on the project which had started two years ago”, the Foundation said.

It also mentioned that the project includes dozens of baths, a synagogue, Talmudic center, exhibition halls, police station, administration offices, operation rooms, reception lobby, etc.

Al-Aqsa Foundation described this step as a crime against history, civilization and architecture and profanation of the ancient Islamic Waqf landmarks which must be maintained in accordance with international norms and regulations.

The Foundation called on Islamic and Arab countries and organizations to confront such a crime which is punishable by international law. (T/P006/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)