UNITED NATIONS, Aug 24: The Permanent Observer of Palestine, Mr Riyad Mansour, protested on Tuesday destruction and desecration of at least 150 recently renovated and restored markers at the Mamilla Muslim graveyard in East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities.

The latest wave of demolitions follows the disinterment of over 1,500 graves

in 2009 to make way for a controversial “Museum of Tolerance”, funded by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, which descendants have sought to halt through their petition to the United Nations and other bodies.

In letters written to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and President of the Security Council Vitally Churkin of Russian Federation, Mr Mansour said: “It is a matter of grave concern that Israeli authorities are continuing to treat the Islamic religious sites and cultural heritage in the Holy City of Jerusalem in a manner that amounts to further desecration”.

It asked the UN Security Council to condemn Israeli action and ask it to cease “all such illegal and provocative actions” designed to erase the

Palestinian, Arab history and presence in the land particularly in the holy city of Jerusalem.