Israel violates religious sites 184 times in two months

Israel's occupation forces have violated religious sites in the occupied West Bank and al-Quds ('Jerusalem') on 184 occasions in the past two months, the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs has revealed.

In a report issued on Sunday, the ministry said that in May and June alone Al-Aqsa Mosque was subject to more than 80 attacks and the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil ('Hebron') almost 100 violations.

The latter includes the banning of the call to prayer, while one of the main gates leading to Al-Aqsa, Bab Al-Yusufiyah, has been closed.

"All Israeli policies towards Al-Aqsa Mosque and the area surrounding it, whether political statements or practical steps targeting the holy site, necessitate a serious, firm and quick stand," insisted Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs Yousuf Id'ies.

Id'ies pointed to Israel's announcement that it has launched restoration projects at the frontages in the Bab Abdul Hamid II area, the "New Gate", one of a number in the walls of the Old City in al-Quds.

Several such projects have been announced recently, which indicate Israel's acceleration of its Judaisation scheme, claimed the Palestinian minister.