Israel: UNESCO ‘ignores’ Jewish, Christian ties to Jerusalem
Jul 7, 2015, 11:02 AM
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is criticizing a looming decision on Jerusalem by the U.N.’s cultural agency, saying it ignores Jewish and Christian ties to the biblical city.
Several Arab states submitted a draft resolution to UNESCO that condemns Israel for archaeological digs in Jerusalem’s Old City and for building a light rail line nearby that it says caused damage and ruined its “visual integrity.”
A UNESCO official says a resolution is due to be adopted Wednesday.
Israeli Foreign Ministry Director Dore Gold said Tuesday the text “deliberately ignores the historical connection between the Jewish people and their ancient capital.” He says it also ignores Christianity’s ties to Jerusalem.
Israel captured the area from Jordan in the 1967 war and says it protects holy sites for all religions. Its control is not internationally recognized.
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