Arab unity can stop nation's suffering: Archbishop Hanna - Exclusive
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The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia in occupied al-Quds affirms to Al Mayadeen that Palestinians in the city remain resilient, but they need the support of their Arab brethren.
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Palestinian Greek Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna delivers a speech during a demonstration in Beit Jala on the outskirts of the occupied West Bank city of Beit Lahm, on May 17, 2021. (AFP)
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Sebastia in occupied al-Quds, Atallah Hanna, called for strong and decisive Arab action to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, pointing out that the entities aligned with the Americans are complicit in this aggression.
Archbishop Hanna told Al Mayadeen that there is a growing movement within universities and institutions opposing the Israeli aggression, which reflects heightened awareness regarding the Palestinian cause.
The Palestinian cleric underlined that if Arabs unite, they have the power to stop the suffering of the entire Arab nation.
In the same context, Hanna warned that occupied al-Quds is in grave danger, with anything Arab, Islamic, and Christian in the city being targeted.
He affirmed that Palestinians in al-Quds remain resilient, but they need the support of their Arab brethren, as this city is "a trust we are entrusted with."
Elsewhere, the Archbishop of Sebastia in occupied al-Quds emphasized the need for Palestinian unity and overcoming internal divisions for the sake of occupied al-Quds.
Hanna's remarks come a day after Israeli settlers stormed the Old City of occupied al-Quds from the Bab al-Amoud area during the so-called "Jerusalem Day Flag March", which commemorates the Israeli army's occupation of the Palestinian city in 1967.
"Israel" likes to celebrate its massacres and genocides.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 6, 2024
Under Israeli occupation police protection, settlers stormed occupied al-Quds' Old City during the "Jerusalem Day Flag March," commemorating the 1967 Israeli occupation of the #WestBank, eastern al-Quds, and Gaza.
For… pic.twitter.com/n2AORtpvUs
Palestinian citizens confronted the attacks in various neighborhoods of the Old City currently witnessing provocations by settlers, many of whom were armed.
In coordination with the settlers, Israeli police blocked the streets of the Old City to the residents of al-Quds, citing the need to protect the "Flag March".
Settlers assaulted journalists and Palestinian citizens in Bab al-Amoud, forcing the journalists to leave the area. Additionally, the settlers hurled insults against Islam and Arabs.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in occupied Palestine highlighted that more than 1,200 Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds.
Our correspondent mentioned that the settlers assaulted Palestinian citizens and shop owners during their incursions into the Old City.
She further noted that more than 3,000 police officers were deployed to protect the settlers' incursions.
Israeli occupation forces forced shop owners in the Old City to shutter their shops, erecting iron barriers, deploying cavalry units, and even summoning a sewage water vehicle, effectively transforming Bab al-Amoud into a military barrack where Palestinians are suppressed and detained.
Ben-Gvir violates status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, claims sovereignty
During a speech at the "Flag March" on Wednesday, Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also declared Israeli sovereignty over al-Aqsa Mosque.
After "Israel's" occupation of the eastern part of al-Quds in 1967, it made an arrangement that permits Jews to visit al-Aqsa Mosque but not perform rituals there. However, in recent years, the increasing number of Israeli settlers, some performing provocative rituals accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, has heightened longstanding Palestinian concerns that "Israel" intends to occupy the sacred Islamic site.
"Temple Mount is ours, Damascus Gate is ours, let the whole world know that," Ben-Gvir said, adding, "Today, according to my policy, Jews entered the Old City freely. And on the Temple Mount Jews prayed freely. We say in the simplest way, it’s ours."
It is worth noting that Ben-Gvir has included changes to the status quo at al-Aqsa Mosque in his ministry's formal action plans. His plan aims to alter the status quo at the Mosque by taking control of the site and allowing access to Israeli settlers.
