Bethlehem - Ma’an/Agencies - Hundreds of right-wing Jewish Israelis are expected to descend on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday, groups told the Jerusalem Post.
A report published on Tuesday in the Israeli daily cited an unnamed group of activists saying they hoped hundreds would show up for a day of organized tours and prayers at the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The event is being termed a “mass pilgrimage” honoring the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Palestinian analyst and reporter Amjad Abu Arafeh addressed concerns over the event on Palestinian radio, saying “It seems this is now a usual event in Jerusalem, threatening the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These groups try to invade Al-Aqsa daily to make their prayers there.
“Only yesterday several settlers invaded the yards of Al-Aqsa mosque but the Waqf guards and the guards of the mosque were able to get them out,” he noted.
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammad Al-Husayni confirmed to Ma’an that the compound faces ongoing threats, and noted officials expected a challenge this week as groups of Jewish worshipers are expected to attempt enter the area. He said right-wing groups issued a call weeks ago for Jews to pray inside Al-Aqsa.
Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Jerusalem and a focal point of Palestinian national feeling. A visit by Israeli leader Ariel Sharon in 2000 sparked the second Palestinian uprising, known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada.
The compound sits atop what is believed to be the site of the first and second Jewish Temples. Mainstream custom forbids Jews from visiting the compound. A few extremist groups, however, call for Israel to conquer the area and build a third temple.
Intrusion could reignite fall fires
Any attempt by right-wing Jewish groups to enter Al-Aqsa could spark a return to the protests, heavy Israeli military and police presence seen in Jerusalem in September during the last week of Ramadan. The Muslim holiday coincided with the start of the Jewish High Holiday season. Israel also closed Jerusalem to many Muslim faithful from the West Bank and Gaza.
Palestinians responded to the heavy military presence in the Old City and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque with protests, which often spilled over into nearby areas including the Shufat Refugee Camp inside Israeli-annexed Jerusalem, as well as the Ramallah-Jerusalem checkpoint at Qalandiya.
Throughout the Jewish holidays and what officials called an increased threat against Al-Aqsa, dozens of Palestinians were holed up in the mosque. Hundreds of others were prevented from entering at various points during the period, and dozens were arrested by Israeli forces for their participation in the protests.
A report published on Tuesday in the Israeli daily cited an unnamed group of activists saying they hoped hundreds would show up for a day of organized tours and prayers at the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The event is being termed a “mass pilgrimage” honoring the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Palestinian analyst and reporter Amjad Abu Arafeh addressed concerns over the event on Palestinian radio, saying “It seems this is now a usual event in Jerusalem, threatening the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These groups try to invade Al-Aqsa daily to make their prayers there.
“Only yesterday several settlers invaded the yards of Al-Aqsa mosque but the Waqf guards and the guards of the mosque were able to get them out,” he noted.
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammad Al-Husayni confirmed to Ma’an that the compound faces ongoing threats, and noted officials expected a challenge this week as groups of Jewish worshipers are expected to attempt enter the area. He said right-wing groups issued a call weeks ago for Jews to pray inside Al-Aqsa.
Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Jerusalem and a focal point of Palestinian national feeling. A visit by Israeli leader Ariel Sharon in 2000 sparked the second Palestinian uprising, known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada.
The compound sits atop what is believed to be the site of the first and second Jewish Temples. Mainstream custom forbids Jews from visiting the compound. A few extremist groups, however, call for Israel to conquer the area and build a third temple.
Intrusion could reignite fall fires
Any attempt by right-wing Jewish groups to enter Al-Aqsa could spark a return to the protests, heavy Israeli military and police presence seen in Jerusalem in September during the last week of Ramadan. The Muslim holiday coincided with the start of the Jewish High Holiday season. Israel also closed Jerusalem to many Muslim faithful from the West Bank and Gaza.
Palestinians responded to the heavy military presence in the Old City and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque with protests, which often spilled over into nearby areas including the Shufat Refugee Camp inside Israeli-annexed Jerusalem, as well as the Ramallah-Jerusalem checkpoint at Qalandiya.
Throughout the Jewish holidays and what officials called an increased threat against Al-Aqsa, dozens of Palestinians were holed up in the mosque. Hundreds of others were prevented from entering at various points during the period, and dozens were arrested by Israeli forces for their participation in the protests.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.