DayofPal—A new report by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) accuses Israel of carrying out a systematic campaign that threatens to erase the religious and cultural identity of Palestinian Muslims through the destruction of mosques and increasing restrictions on worship.
The report says discrimination against Palestinian Muslims has intensified since October 2023, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
It cites attacks by Israeli settlers on mosques, mass arrests of Palestinians, and severe restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
Only about 2,000 Palestinians were allowed to pass through checkpoints from the West Bank to attend the first Friday prayers of Ramadan, the report noted.
According to the findings, Israeli forces have destroyed or heavily damaged more than 1,160 mosques in the Gaza Strip since the war began in October 2023.
Many civilians, including women and children sheltering inside, were killed during these attacks, the report said.
The report also highlights legislation promoted by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that seeks to restrict Islamic practices, including proposals to ban the call to prayer.
It warns that such policies, along with limits on Ramadan traditions and closures of holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, represent as “religious apartheid.”
The ICJP urged Israel to halt attacks on religious and cultural sites and to respect Palestinian religious rights in line with international law.
The report also referenced a recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
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