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Poland condemns desecration of Christian cemetery in Jerusalem

05.01.2023 16:00
Poland’s foreign ministry has condemned what it called an "act of vandalism and destruction" at a historic Christian cemetery in Jerusalem.
The Polish foreign ministry building in Warsaw.
The Polish foreign ministry building in Warsaw.Photo: gov.pl

"The Republic of Poland notes with concern increased tensions around the holy sites in Jerusalem, in particular around the Temple Mount/Al-Haram al-Sharif," the Polish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Any actions that may undermine the status quo of the holy sites, regardless of which religion these sites serve, only contribute to a further escalation of tensions and can lead to tragic consequences," it added.

"In this context, Poland condemns the recent act of vandalism and destruction of several dozen gravestones at the Christian cemetery on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, in the vicinity of the burial site of Polish civilians and soldiers of the Anders’ Army, as well as Oskar Schindler," the statement said.

The Polish foreign ministry said it hoped "the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators will be brought to justice."

The statement added that "there can be no justification for actions that impair the integrity and tranquility of places of such exceptional religious and spiritual significance."

The foreign ministry in Warsaw also said that "the Republic of Poland appreciates the fact that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel has unequivocally condemned this act of vandalism."

(gs)

Source: IAR, gov.pl