Jarayseh holds Israeli government responsible for Nazareth unrest

Chairman of the municipality of al-Nasera (Nazareth), Ramez Jarayseh, on Sunday held the Israeli government responsible for the Christian-Muslim disputes currently taking place in al-Nasera. He added that only Israel can put an end to this matter.

In a statement to the AFP al-Arayseh remarked on latest developments concerning the question of land claimed by al-Awqaf which resulted in creating tension between the Palestinian Muslims and Christians for 20 months that the only solution is the intervention of the Israeli government.

He accused Israeli officials and parties of feeding the conflict. He said the Israelis promised an extremist group, disguised under the cover of religion, for "political purposes" to side with it, especially during the period of the current Israeli elections campaign.

He went on that, "Should the Israeli government want to settle the disputes it would be able to do so."

He expressed fears that the current tension, if it continues, would affect the celebrations of the pilgrims who are expected to arrive in al-Nasera where Christ spent his childhood.