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‘Israel wiping out Islamic landmarks'

ABU DHABI - Israel is trying to wipe out Palestinian, Arab and Islamic archaeological and historical landmarks in Al Quds and the rest of the Palestinian cities and townships to legitimise its Zionist claims over the land, said a leading Arab archaeologist.

Dr Shawqi Shaath, member of the Administrative Council for Al Quds Conservation and Documentation at the Arab League, said during a lecture at the Zayed Centre for Coordination and Follow-up (ZCCF) yesterday that the destruction of Arab landmarks by the Jewish state was an effort to legitimise its claim on the land it has occupied by destroying archaeological facts that confirm the historical Arab identity of the land.

" This destruction of religious and archaeological sites," warned Dr Shaath, will also extend to Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, as Jews believe that the Prophet Abraham came from Iraq.

He said that Israel has always pursued a policy of disregarding all resolutions made by the international organisations, especially the Unesco resolutions calling for safeguarding and protection of the ancient Palestinian monuments and antiquities.

"Acting in defiance of international community's concern, Israel persists in wiping out these archaeological historical landmarks, as there is nothing that can force Israel to abide by these resolutions," he said.

Dr Shaath urged the Arab and Palestinian people and leaders to realise the necessity of an urgent effort to deal with this problem and do something to save the landmarks from disappearing.

Archaeological findings, discovered by foreign scientists, demolished Israel's claim that Solomon Temple once existed where Al Quds stands today. On the contrary, he said, they do prove that Palestine and its people are Arabs who have been living in the region for thousands of years.

Dr Shaath noted that Palestine was rich in archaeological sites that date back to the Roman era and were spread all over Palestinian cities and towns like Akka and Haifa. He, however, expressed fears that this rich heritage was not a treasure for Palestine alone but for entire mankind was being destroyed and turned into public monuments by the Jews.

Referring to Iraq and its invasion and occupation by the Americans, Dr Shaath expressed doubts if the Americans would succeed in imposing a new educational system and curricula in Iraq. "This goal was designed to develop new Arab generations that will accept their culture and lifestyle," he added.

• UAE