Israel Tuesday destroyed the foundations of the planned Shehab a-Din mosque near Nazareth's main Christian shrine, ending a project that had angered the Vatican and raised religious tensions in the city. The mosque was to be built next to the town's Church of the Annunciation
Angry Muslim leaders condemned the move, tying it to reports that Israel was quietlly allowing Jews to enter the Temple Mount after a long suspension of such visits.
The Arab Member of Knesset, Abdelmalik Dahamshe of the United Arab List accused the US administration and the Sharon government of having banded together for a "war on
Islam."
"The new crusade of the Bush-Sharon axis of evil in the world is against Islam. It's no wonder that on same day, they destroy the foundations of the mosque in Nazereth, and announce visits on the Noble Sanctuary (the Temple Mount).
A number of Muslim demonstrators were arrested by Israeli policemen near the foundations Tuesday, including the city's deputy mayor, Salman Abu Ahmed.
Some six years ago, the Israeli government intially granted approval to the mosque project, but the decision was reversed under heavy pressure from world Christians. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
