• Home
• /
• Opinion

Unholy Designs on Holy Sites

The two shrines—the Tomb of the Patriarchs, known to Muslims as al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem—equally scared to Muslims, Christians and Jews are frequented by worshippers of all faiths. The Palestinians fear that Tel Aviv, by declaring them as “Israeli heritage sites,” would restrict Muslims access to them. A fact Israel has disputed. More important, all these sacred sites are in the West Bank, a territory that was occupied by Israel after the 1967 war. Given Israel’s penchant for and history of territorial occupation, there are enough reasons for Palestinian and Arab concerns. Israeli actions have only strengthened perception of its barely disguised intent at extending the frontiers of a Jewish state that has no place or tolerance for Muslims.

According to Palestinians, it is tantamount to stealing Islamic holy sites in order to change their character intoa Jewish one. How this fits into Israel’s long term agenda of consolidating control by forcible occupation and hoodwinking the world into believing what they want is clear. Why Israel thinks it may work is because it has been allowed to get away, so far. The West has so far refused to curb Israeli aggression. But will the international community stand and stare too while Israel has its way? By including in its agenda religious sites that form the nerve-centre of an ideologically driven conflict, Israel can only hope to spark a bigger wave of inter-faith hatred and extreme reactions.

Sensing the danger this move poses for the entire region, Jordan has issued a strong condemnation, voicing fears about the consequences of this action on peace efforts. Egypt has also reacted strongly to Israel’s move expressing similar sentiments. Peace talks are of course hinged on resolving some major contentions that Israel refuses to cede ground on. Despite recent efforts launched by the Obama administration, the whole process has been stalled due to the settlements issue.

Attention should have been accorded to the shrines disputed status before declaring them as ‘Israeli heritage sites’ for a $107 million restoration plan. This action is a testament to Israeli policy of forcible occupation. As an occupying power it has no authority to take such actions. It makes one wonder what other nefarious plans it may have on hold concerning Palestinians living in West Bank and even Gaza.

The international community should wake up to this alarming situation. Failure to check Israel at this point can only lead to deterioration of a situation already straining to give way to total chaos. Such developments are what groups like Al Qaeda are likely to exploit for incitement and recruitment of impressionable young men 
and women.