Ramallah, July 2 (Petra) — Advisor to the Palestinian President for
Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Habbash condemned the
Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of the so-called “Law to
Prevent Noise for the Muezzin,” known as the “Adhan Law,” describing
it as an attack on religious freedom and human rights.

In a press statement Thursday, Habbash said the proposed legislation
constitutes a blatant aggression against the Islamic faith and a
serious violation of freedom of worship and fundamental human rights
guaranteed under international law.

He rejected claims that the legislation is intended to address health
or environmental concerns, saying such justifications are “pure
slander and deception.” He argued that the measure’s actual objective
is to erase Islamic and Arab landmarks and further restrict the
Palestinian presence through various means.

Habbash also denounced provisions in the proposed law that would
grant Israeli police the authority to enter mosques, confiscate
equipment, and impose substantial fines. He called on the
international community and human rights organizations to intervene
immediately to halt what he described as decisions that disregard
international laws and conventions protecting freedom of worship and
religious sites.

//Petra// AJ