Pakistan concerned over Israeli excavation activities

Islamabad, Feb 10 (UNI) Pakistan has expressed deep concern over reports of Israeli excavation activities in the vicinity of al-Aqsa mosque and demolition of its wall and called for immediate halt to all such activities.

''The Israeli use of force against Palestinian protestors is also deplorable'', foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said in Islamabad.

She said the Israeli action was in violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions, which recognized that any act of destruction or defiling of holy places and sites in Jerusalem might seriously endanger international peace and security.

Tensions heightened in Jerusalem yesterday after Israeli riot police stormed al-Aqsa mosque compound amid reports of continued excavation activities and clashed with Palestinian stone throwers.

Media reports said that the Israeli antiquities authority was now considering a live video broadcast from al-Aqsa on internet to quell Muslim fears.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has welcomed the agreement between Al-Fatah and Hamas for the national unity Government reached with the help of the good offices of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

''We hope that the accord signed in Mecca will bring amity and reconciliation among the various Palestinian groups,'' Ms Aslam said.

UNI