Palestine's MFA: IOF trying to seize control of Al-Aqsa

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Dec 2023 09:10

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically accuses the Israeli occupation of exploiting international focus in Gaza to advance its agendas in Al-Quds.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs HQ -undated- (WAFA)

In a stern statement issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ramallah accused the Israeli government of exploiting the international concerns being geared towards the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to advance its agenda in Occupied East Al-Quds.

Specifically, the statement speaks of attempts to seize control of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"Israel exploits the preoccupation with the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip and imposes Judaization measures against Al-Aqsa Mosque," the MFA's statement read.

The ministry vehemently condemned the measures taken by the Israeli Occupation Forces, citing assaults on Palestinian worshippers and prohibiting them from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Furthermore, it condemned attacks on journalists covering the events.

Palestinian Patriarch in open letter: 'Gaza deserves liberation'

Michel Sabbah, the former Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, addressed the global public from the birthplace of Christ in Beit Lahm, through the "Palestine 100 Initiative" platform, for this year's Christmas.

In a message dedicated to war-fallen Gaza, the Patriarch said, "Christmas this year, in Beit Lahm and all over the world, is a prayer to God Almighty, to stop the war in Gaza and all of Palestine. During these days, many direct their eyes and hearts to Beit Lahm, but only an hour away, they see the war in Gaza, where humans are buried beneath the rubble of their own homes, they see children beneath the rubble, they see humanity beneath the rubble."

He regarded the war as a genocide of Palestinians, adding that Palestinians and Christians witnessing the genocide during these specific times, "must recognize that Christmas this year should not be restricted to Beit Lahm solely but must traverse to every oppressed human, particularly on the Holy Land, and it makes its way to Gaza and all of Palestine, where death reigns supreme".

The Patriarch called to halt the aggressive genocide in Gaza, appealing to Christians all over the world for their support and advocacy for the Palestinian cause.

"Gaza deserves liberation, independence, and peace," said the patriarch, adding that the root causes for the war and the occupation must be studied, as Gaza and Palestine have a long history of being drawn into war.