HELD JERUSALEM: Israel is weakening the walls that mark the boundaries of Al-Haram Ash-Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) around Al-Aqsa mosque and those around the old city, and obstructing restoration work at the holy site.

This was stated by Held Jerusalem’s Mufti Sheikh Ikrama Sabri.

"Large visible cracks have formed in the walls due to ongoing Israeli excavation work since 1967," he said adding the Israeli occupation authorities are using heavy equipment, causing severe damage to the ancient and sacred walls which date back centuries.

"We hold the Israeli occupation authorities totally responsible for the dilapidation of Jerusalem's walls," he said.

Sheikh Sabri said the Islamic Waqf (religious endowment) foundation "has renovated some of the walls surrounding Al-Aqsa mosque over the past few months."

"The Waqf is willing and ready to continue the renovations if the Israeli authorities do not obstruct its work, as the materials needed for renovations have to pass through the outer gates of Al-Aqsa mosque," he said.

The outer gates of the old city and those of Al-Aqsa mosque are manned by Israeli occupation forces who inspect and search everything passing through, and at times restrict movement to and from the area.

Sheikh Sabri said the authorities had prevented workers from transporting raw materials to Al-Aqsa mosque.