Israeli authorities are clearing four historic buildings inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound that serve as offices of the Jordanian-backed Islamic Waqf, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move follows a two-month freeze on Waqf maintenance work and is described by the sources as part of a broader plan to replace the Waqf's role and rebrand the site as a multi-faith center.
Israeli authorities are clearing four historic structures inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound that serve as administrative offices of the Islamic Waqf, sources familiar with the matter told this desk. The buildings are among the oldest landmarks within the compound, and their emptying follows what the sources describe as a two-month paralysis of the Waqf's operations: workers have been unable to clear weeds, fix broken windows, or open doors without Israeli police sign-off.
The move echoes a pattern seen 16 years ago, when Israel took over a prayer hall inside the compound, according to the same sources. They described the endgame as broader than individual restrictions — a plan to replace the Waqf altogether and rebrand the contested site as a so-called multipurpose "multi-faith center."
The sources did not specify a timeline for the clearance or the intended use of the vacated buildings. The Waqf, a Jordanian-backed religious trust, has historically overseen daily administration and maintenance of the compound under the longstanding "status quo" arrangement. As The Zioneer previously reported, coordination between the Waqf and Israeli security forces has frayed in recent weeks, with unconfirmed reports of a severance of ties.
There has been no official statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Israel Police, or the Waqf as of Tuesday evening.
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