Modi Govt. stands by Palestine cause, could play a more positive role with positive atitude, Palestine Ambassador to India
New Delhi, July 26 Terming the shutting down of Al-aqsa mosque compound for the first time since 1967 by Israel leading to confrontation and violence between Israeli forces and Palestinians as ‘Judaisation’ campaign by Israeli and right wing groups, Palestine Ambassador to India, Mr Adnan M.A. Abualhayjaa told the media persons that the support to change the status quo in the city of East Jerusalem could drag the region into more violence.
Addressing the press conference in the Embassy based in new delhi, the Ambassador said that the latest conflagration has happened because of the additional physical hindrances including electronic gates at Al-aqsa compound put up by Israel.
“The onus lies upon the state of Israel to rein in the Jewish settlers. There is no way Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims, can allow there holy sites to be desecrated and destroyed” the envoy said.
Accusing Israel attempting to change the status quo, the Ambassador said that Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza are not allowed entry into mosque without approval of Israel and that is why they come from East Jerusalem. He also said that the Jewish Temple movements have repeatedly violated the government ban on Jewish entry into the compound and Govt of Israel is complicit in it.
The Envoy said Israel Govt. might be infuriated by International support to the historical cause and UNESCO declaration last year of Al-aqsa Mosque compound to be uniquely Muslim.
Responding to several questions related to PM Modi visit to Israel and growing proximity shown between the two leaders, the Envoy said that Govt of Palestine is not carried away by the “hype” created by Israeli media and they were satisfied with relations that they enjoy with India and also the interactions between Indian Prime Minister and Palestine President during his recent visit to India this year.