Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque: A Flashpoint for Violence
Background
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City is a sacred site for both Jews and Muslims. For Muslims, it is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian national identity, while for Jews, it is Judaism’s holiest place, revered as the site of the ancient temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Recent Visits by Israeli Minister
Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, has visited the compound on at least eight occasions since the end of 2022, each time triggering international outcry. His latest visit, on Wednesday, prompted strong condemnation from Arab nations and Palestinian militants Hamas.
Condemnation from Arab Nations and Palestinian Militants
Jordan, the custodian of the site, condemned Ben Gvir’s visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation" in a foreign ministry statement. Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation", saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people". The Saudi foreign ministry expressed its "strongest condemnation" of the "storming" of the compound by Ben Gvir, while Egypt also expressed its "total condemnation and denunciation" of the visit.
Status Quo
Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.
International Outcry
Ben Gvir’s visits have consistently triggered international outcry, with many governments and organizations denouncing the actions as a violation of the sanctity of the holy site. The UN has previously denounced "any efforts to change the status quo within the holy sites".
Jewish Leaders’ Concerns
Some Jewish leaders have also expressed concerns about Ben Gvir’s visits, warning that they could lead to unnecessary incitement in the Muslim world and beyond. Moshe Gafni, an influential ultra-Orthodox politician, criticized Ben Gvir’s visit as a "violation of the sanctity of the holiest place for the Jewish people".
Conclusion
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City remains a flashpoint for violence, with repeated visits by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir sparking international outcry. The status quo in place since the occupation of east Jerusalem in 1967 is intended to maintain the religious and cultural significance of the site. However, ongoing tensions and fears about the future of the site continue to escalate violence.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound?
A: The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a sacred site for both Jews and Muslims, with different meanings for each faith.
Q: What is the status quo at the site?
A: Under the status quo maintained by Israel, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.
Q: Why do Ben Gvir’s visits trigger international outcry?
A: Ben Gvir’s visits are seen as a violation of the sanctity of the holy site, and many governments and organizations denounce the actions as a provocation.
Q: What is the UN’s stance on the site?
A: The UN has previously denounced "any efforts to change the status quo within the holy sites".