Jerusalem:
Tensions between Israel and Palestine have increased once again. Israeli police re-entered the al-Aqsa mosque complex in the Old Jerusalem area on Sunday and drove out Palestinians from the area.
According to a report by AP news agency, around 17 Palestinians were injured – five of whom have been hospitalised – in clashes that followed the police action to transport Jews to the holy site. The Israeli police have arrested nine people.
The mosque on the hill is considered the third holiest site in Islam, while the same site is also a holy place for Jews. Jews call it Temple Mount. Jews are allowed to visit Temple Mount, but they cannot pray there.
Just two days ago, the Israeli police clashed with the Palestinians at the same place. Palestinians pelted stones at Israeli police before prayers. It should be noted that a year ago violence broke out in Jerusalem between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters. This violence turned into the 11-day Gaza War. Israel and Palestine’s competing claims to the site have led to several rounds of violence.
This year the Christian holy week falls on Easter Sunday during the ongoing Ramadan of Muslims and the week-long festival of the Jews is coming to an end. Thousands of devotees are gathering here after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Israeli police have accused Palestinians of desecrating the holy site, while Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of trying to divide the sensitive shrine.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesman, Nabil Abu Radeneh, said what happened at the al-Aqsa mosque was an alarming sign that the Israeli government would face the consequences. Israeli police has said that they had entered the compound to facilitate regular visits by Jews to the holy site.
]]>
, International, ,