Occupied Jerusalem, ALRAY - In a recent development, the Israeli occupation authorities have inaugurated a tunnel that stretches from the Buraq Wall Plaza to the Umayyad Palaces, situated near the southern wall of the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, the researcher Muath Ighbarieh revealed.
What sets this tunnel apart is its conspicuous promotion of Judaization in terms of the city's landmarks and the surrounding area of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for propagating the controversial concept of the so-called "Temple."
According to Ighbarieh, the tunnel's entry point can be accessed through the Moroccan Gate in the town of Silwan. From there, it leads to the Buraq Wall, followed by a right turn that leads to the tunnel entrance, which extends approximately 200 meters in length and stands at a height of 15 meters. Crucially, its terminus lies at the Umayyad Palaces, directly opposite the Qibla Prayer Hall when viewed from outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque's walls.
Ighbarieh disclosed that this tunnel was inaugurated just three months ago and begins with a flat pathway, descending underground to a depth of about 15 meters. Beyond this, visitors encounter a museum showcasing artifacts purportedly unearthed during excavations in the Umayyad Palaces, including items like the Star of David and a candlestick.
Additionally, this museum leads to a photographic exhibition that claims to narrate the history of Jerusalem. It advances the contentious notion that the ancient Al-Aqsa Mosque served as a passageway to the alleged "Temple." Notably, it includes an image depicting the arrangement of sacrifices within the Dome of the Rock Mosque, followed by a portrayal of a route known as "David's Path," as per their interpretation.
Remarkably, the tunnel tour incorporates a multi-lingual film presentation, offered in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. This film actively promotes the contested concept of the "Temple" and subtly hints at the presence of a Christian church in the vicinity of the Dome of the Rock Mosque. This development raises concerns and tensions surrounding the historical and religious significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
