Video duration 28 minutes 15 seconds
Israeli-funded excavations in occupied East Jerusalem have been condemned by international archaeologists.
The Israeli government has held its weekly cabinet meeting in tunnels dug under the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
Above ground, a far-right Israeli minister entered the area shortly before the government met and proclaimed Israelis “landlords of Jerusalem”.
This has infuriated Palestinians, who have been increasingly angered by more raids by ultra-nationalist Jewish groups on one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Al-Aqsa was also a focal point earlier this year, with Israeli police filming them beating Palestinians praying in the mosque.
The cabinet meeting again highlights the controversy provoked by Israeli archeology and excavations under the ancient city.
So why is this work so controversial?
Presenter: Nastasya Taylor
guests:
Alon Arad – Executive Director of Emek Shaveh
Mazin Qumsiyeh – Director of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability
Rami Khouri – Director of Global Engagement at the American University of Beirut