Jerusalem warns Al-Aqsa at risk of collapse
Jerusalem officials warned that Israeli excavation work threatens Al-Aqsa Mosque foundations and surrounding structures. Marouf al-Rifai from the Jerusalem Governorate told WAFA that tunnel construction beneath the compound fails to meet proper scientific standards and targets multiple colonial sites. The digging endangers historic Palestinian homes and schools while destabilizing the soil under the mosque.
Israeli forces distributed demolition notices to metal and furniture workshops at town entrances as part of infrastructure plans connecting the Anata junction to the Hizma checkpoint. Authorities seek to clear Palestinian buildings from the proposed route through repeated demolitions, citing permit violations and wall proximity. Al-Rifai stated the actions serve political rather than safety purposes.
On Thursday, Israeli settlers entered Al-Aqsa grounds under military escort and conducted tours that witnesses described as provocative. Security forces increased their presence at compound gates in recent weeks. Additional police and military personnel were deployed to facilitate settler access to the site.
