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Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Islamic Cemeteries in Jerusalem, Mustafa Abu Zahra said the Jerusalem City Government team, accompanied by a bulldozer, stormed the Bab Al-Asbat area and destroyed the stairs leading to Yusufia’s cemetery.
According to Abu Zahra, the demolition is part of a plan by Israeli authorities to build a “biblical garden path” within the cemetery that contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as many ancient and modern graves. The cemetery is about 4,000 square meters in area.
Abu Zahra called on all Jerusalemites to “unite to protect various Jerusalem sites from the oppression of the Israeli occupation.” (Also Read: Iran Will Give a Calculated Response to the Killing of Its Nuclear Scientist)
The Israeli occupation authorities in Jerusalem did not comment on the demolition. (See Infographic: Chinese Spacecraft Successfully Entered Moon Orbit)
Chapter Al-Asbat is also called the Lion Gate or St Stephen’s Gate. The gate faces east, toward ancient Jericho. (See Video: Police Will Call 10 People Regarding Reports Against UMMI Hospital)
The gate is often bustling with Muslim worshipers after prayers at the al-Aqsa mosque, the third holy site of Muslims.
Many Jews took another route to the Western Wall of Judaism. They passed through the Dung Gate, the closest entrance to the holy place.
Security has always been tight in this volatile area at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli police patrols and CCTV cameras continue to monitor the alleyways of the Old City.
(sya)
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