Palestinians Accuse Israel of Damaging Islamic Heritage Near Al-Aqsa Mosque

A recent report from the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate has accused Israeli authorities of conducting secret excavations beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque, leading to the destruction of Islamic artifacts.

The claims, which have been echoed by news outlets such as the Anadolu Agency and WAFA, allege that the excavations are part of a deliberate effort to alter the historical identity of the site in favor of the Jewish “Temple Mount” narrative.

According to statements from the Jerusalem Governorate, leaked videos show what they describe as “illegal excavation and demolition operations.” The governorate asserts that these activities are targeting artifacts from the Umayyad period and are being carried out without international oversight. They argue that these actions are not only a crime against history and humanity but also pose a risk to the architectural stability of the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself.

The accusations have prompted calls for the international community, including the United Nations and UNESCO, to intervene. The Jerusalem Endowment Council, which is the Jordan-run body responsible for the administration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque under international law, is the sole authority entitled to manage the site’s affairs.

The Temple Mount, known to Muslims as the Al-Haram al-Sharif, is a highly contested site and is considered holy by all three Abrahamic religions. Jews believe it to be the site of two ancient temples, while for Muslims it is the location of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

In response to similar claims in the past, Israeli authorities and organizations have countered that their archaeological work is carried out under the supervision of the Israel Antiquities Authority. An organization called UN Watch has previously called such accusations a “false charge” used to incite people. The Temple Mount Sifting Project, which sifts through soil removed from the Temple Mount area by the Waqf, has recovered artifacts from various periods, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim eras.

UNESCO has also weighed in on the issue. The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981, and a year later, at Jordan’s request, were placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Subsequent UNESCO decisions have expressed concern over Israeli excavations and works in and around the Old City.