Allegations of Illegal Excavations
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has accused Israel of carrying out secret and unlawful excavations beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. According to the PA, the digging is damaging priceless Islamic antiquities and threatening the mosque’s historic foundations.
Officials claim these excavations are not routine maintenance but part of a deliberate effort to erase Islamic heritage tied to the holy site. They warn that such actions are an attempt to undermine the long-standing Muslim claim over Al-Aqsa, which is regarded as Islam’s third holiest mosque after Mecca and Medina.
A Battle Over Identity and Heritage
In a strongly worded statement, the PA alleged that Israel’s ultimate goal is to strip Al-Aqsa of its Islamic identity and pave the way for the construction of a Jewish place of worship on the site. Palestinian leaders view this as part of a wider campaign to alter the historical and religious character of Jerusalem, which remains at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The deliberate destruction of archaeological remains under Al-Aqsa is a direct violation of international law and historic agreements,” the statement read. Palestinian officials further stressed that Muslim rights to the mosque are “legitimate and indisputable.”
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
Concerns escalated after a video circulated widely on social media, appearing to show individuals breaking large stones in the mosque’s courtyard following excavation work. The footage quickly spread across the Muslim world, triggering anger and calls for accountability.
For many Palestinians, the video is seen as proof of a longstanding fear—that gradual structural and cultural erosion of Al-Aqsa is being carried out under the guise of archaeological work. International observers have not independently verified the footage, but its release has fueled heated debate.
Global Concern and Muslim World Reaction
The video and the PA’s accusations have generated alarm beyond the region. In Muslim-majority countries, religious and political leaders expressed deep concern, with many warning that provocations at Al-Aqsa could spark widespread unrest. This comes at a time when Palestinians in Gaza are already facing immense suffering, with recent Israeli strikes killing dozens, including aid seekers.
The mosque compound, also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, has been a flashpoint of violence for decades. Clashes often erupt between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security forces, especially during religious holidays. Any perception of change to the site’s delicate status quo often results in heightened tensions.
Calls for International Intervention
The Palestinian leadership has urged the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international bodies to urgently intervene. They argue that safeguarding Al-Aqsa is not just a Palestinian responsibility but a global obligation tied to the preservation of cultural, religious, and historical heritage.
“Immediate and effective measures must be taken to stop these violations,” the PA demanded, urging the world community to hold Israel accountable.
A History of Dispute
The status of Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under a longstanding arrangement, the Islamic Waqf, administered by Jordan, oversees religious affairs at the site, while Israel controls access. This fragile balance has often been tested, with frequent disputes over security measures, restrictions on worshippers, and archaeological activity.
Archaeologists and rights groups have previously warned that unregulated excavations in and around the Old City could destabilize ancient structures and deepen mistrust. Palestinian authorities argue that such activities are part of a systematic attempt to “Judaize” Jerusalem, while Israeli officials typically maintain that work in the area is legal and intended for preservation.
An Issue with Global Implications
With the conflict already heightened by recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza, the PA’s fresh accusations add another layer of volatility. Analysts warn that even unverified claims about Al-Aqsa often carry the potential to inflame tensions across the wider Middle East.
As of now, there has been no official Israeli response to the latest allegations. However, the issue is expected to attract significant international attention in the coming days as pressure mounts on global institutions to act.
For Palestinians, the fear remains clear: that one of Islam’s holiest sites is under threat, both structurally and symbolically, from what they see as a calculated campaign to rewrite Jerusalem’s history.
