Excavations Near Al-Aqsa Raise Fears of Structural Collapse

Excavations Near Al-Aqsa Raise Fears of Structural Collapse

The Jerusalem Governorate has warned that continued Israeli excavation works around Al-Aqsa Mosque and in Jerusalem’s Old City risk causing parts of the historic mosque to collapse.

Marouf al-Rifai, advisor to the Jerusalem Governorate, said ongoing digging operations—both old and new—beneath Al-Aqsa and nearby areas, including tunnels linking several settlement sites, pose a serious threat to the stability of the mosque’s foundations.

He cautioned that the excavations could damage ancient Palestinian landmarks such as historic homes and schools, noting that the works are being conducted without scientific oversight and in violation of the city’s historical status quo. Al-Rifai described the activities as politically driven rather than archaeologically motivated.

He also reported that Israeli forces recently raided several areas, distributing demolition orders for workshops and factories producing metal and furniture. The move, he said, is part of a long-term plan to construct new infrastructure linking the Anata junction to the Hizma checkpoint, which would result in the removal of Palestinian-owned structures along the route under various pretexts.

Meanwhile, groups of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Thursday under heavy military protection. Eyewitnesses said dozens of settlers entered in groups and conducted what were described as provocative tours.

In recent weeks, Israeli authorities have tightened security measures around the Al-Aqsa compound, deploying additional police and military forces to secure the settlers’ repeated incursions.