Aqsa's Imam, Yousef Gomaa Salama said Israel has an organized attack to turn Jerusalem into a Jewish and separate it from any Palestinian association by filling the holy city with settlements. He accused Israel of falsifying history, stealing Palestinian civilization, and marketing their lies about their rights. Salama said the Israeli government is taking rapid steps with wealthy Jews around the world. He said they allocated another budget for their policies that aim to turn Jerusalem into a Jewish city. Israel collaborated with wealthy Jews who aim to displace all Palestinians living in the Holy city, support the Israeli economy and intend to destroy the Palestinian one, and establish infrastructure that best suits Israeli settlers. These Jews also aim to obliterate the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city by building thousands of settlements and destructing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, said Salama. Salama said the Israeli Cabinet meeting held at al-Qalaa mosque was a violation against the mosque. He said that Jerusalem is an Islamic Waqf for all Muslims from over the world. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab only went to Jerusalem to receive its keys, he added. Salama criticized Israeli policies of ethnic cleansing against Palestinian citizens. He said there are serious dangers threatening thousands of Palestinians living in Jerusalem and forcing them to lose their rights of living in the holy city. Salama also criticized the proposal presented by a member of the Israeli Knesset to change the names of Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem so that they come to have Hebrew names. The proposal also prevents using their Arab names in the media and official documents. Salama said the recent developments in the Middle East should support Palestinian residents against Israel's oppressive policies. He said he was confident that the problem of Jerusalem is an important issue for all the Arabs, so the revolutions happening in the Arab world will support the Palestinian cause and save the holy city. He also said that defending the city against Israeli policies is a religious duty; especially that both Muslims and Christians from all over the world are interested in this city. Salam said the Arab nation should take serious steps to save Jerusalem and the Aqsa mosque by supporting the Arab league's decision to support Palestinians in Jerusalem in terms of education, health and housing.
