Israel: During the holy month of Ramadan, Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, firing stun grenades and tear gas at Palestinian worshippers in a violent confrontation at one of Islam’s most sacred sites. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third holiest site in Islam.
According to Wafa, the official news agency of the Palestinian Authority, dozens of worshippers who were praying overnight were injured in a police raid at dawn on 5th April 2023. The incident has drawn condemnation from Palestinians and several Arab nations.
Palestinian officials report that at least 400 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli authorities and are currently being held in custody. As Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan and Jews prepare to start the Passover festival on Wednesday evening, the Israeli raid has sparked concerns of a broader conflict. Two years ago, a similar raid had led to a larger confrontation, with Israeli forces launching an 11-day offensive on the Gaza Strip.
The 35-acre mosque compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is known as the Noble Sanctuary, or al-Haram al-Sharif, to Muslims and as the Temple Mount to Jews. Since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, including the Old City, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip in 1967, the site has been the most disputed piece of land in the Holy Land.
Tensions have been increasing gradually since the new far-right government, led by Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, assumed power in late 2021. Mr. Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist known for his violent rhetoric and past actions against Palestinians, is in charge of overseeing the police force.
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