‘Full-Fledged Crime’: Israeli Settler Converts Historic Islamic Shrine into Residence
The shrine, considered one of the oldest Islamic sites in the city and believed to date back around 800 years, was reportedly accessed after the settler replaced the original lock. The individual then outfitted the structure with household utilities and furnishings, including installing electricity and water meters.
The media office further stated that the tomb of Sheikh Ahmed al-Dajani was removed, and a commemorative plaque recognizing the site's historical and cultural value was also taken down.
A member of the Dajani family, traditionally responsible for the upkeep of the shrine, discovered the unauthorized changes during a regular visit. The family subsequently filed a formal complaint with the municipality.
Following the complaint, municipal authorities evacuated the settler from the premises on Wednesday. However, the key to the shrine has not yet been returned to the Dajani family. The Jerusalem Governorate characterized the withholding of the key as “another violation of the family’s right to oversee and access the shrine.”
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The Governorate attributed responsibility for the incident to the Israeli authorities in al-Quds, calling the event “a full-fledged crime” and linking it to broader efforts to alter the cultural and religious identity of the city.
The statement urged international bodies, including UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the UN Human Rights Council, to intervene in the protection of Islamic and Christian heritage sites in Jerusalem. It also called for action against ongoing violations by Israeli settlers and forces targeting religious landmarks and cemeteries in the city.
Source: Agencies
