Israel Officials Halt Construction of Controversial Mosque

[Gauracandra 1]

Israel Officials Halt Construction of Controversial Mosque

 

In Israel, government officials have halted construction of a controversial mosque in Nazareth. The mosque was to have been built near the Church of the Annunciation, where tradition says Mary learned she would give birth to Jesus. Muslims believe the area contains the gravesite of an important Muslim leader and have protested and worshipped there. But Christian leaders, including the Pope, say building a mosque so close to the church is disrespectful. The Israeli government says it is studying the situation.