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