Pressure on Authorities To Begin Construction Without Permit
NAZARETH, AUGUST 10 (ZENIT.org).- Israeli police were severely criticized by Islamic groups for attempting to halt the unloading of construction materials in Nazareth Square, at the doorstep of the Basilica of the Annunciation, where they intend to build a mosque in memory of Shebab el Din, a descendant of Saladin.
Despite the opposition of the Vatican and the local Christian community, Muslim fundamentalists were given permission by Israeli authorities to erect the mosque just a few steps from the Christian Basilica. The action is seen by Christians more as a provocation than spiritual need of the Muslim religious community. According to an agreement reached by Muslims and Israeli authorities, construction of the mosque should not begin until the Jubilee celebrations are over. However, the Muslims have brought the construction material to demonstrate their intention to begin work without an official permit.
Salman Abu Ahmed, deputy mayor of Nazareth, and directors of the political department of the Islamic Movement, said that the Muslims of the city are losing patience and hope to begin construction without a permit. Moreover, they accuse the government authorities of delaying the necessary permits and have threaten new riots "because the Israeli government only understands the language of done deeds." For his part, Israeli Minister Matan Vilnai, warned against any unilateral action.
On April 4, 1999, while Catholics celebrated Easter and Orthodox Palm Sunday in the Nazareth Basilica of the Annunciation, Islamic groups in the square organized violent incidents, which resulted in several Christians being attacked and wounded. Incidents of this kind have been recorded since 1998 (Cf. ZENIT, ZE99041106).
Although it has a Muslim and Christian majority, Nazareth is in Israeli territory. However, last November, the National Palestinian Authority, presided over by Yasser Arafat, declared its opposition to the mosque's construction.
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