Palestinians on Saturday sounded the alarm over growing incitement by Israeli far-right settler groups, accusing them of openly calling for the destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Noble Sanctuary, is one of the most sacred sites in Islam and has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. The mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is controlled by Israel but claimed by Palestinians as the capital of their future state.
According to Palestinian officials, extremist Israeli settlers have been increasingly targeting the Al-Aqsa Mosque in recent weeks, with some even calling for its destruction in order to build a Jewish temple in its place. This dangerous rhetoric has sparked fear and concern among Palestinians who view the mosque as a symbol of their national and religious identity.
The Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the incitement by the settlers, calling it a “provocation” and a “violation of international law.” The ministry also urged the international community to take immediate action to protect the mosque and prevent any attempts to harm it.
This is not the first time that the Al-Aqsa Mosque has been threatened by Israeli settlers. In 1990, a group of extremist settlers attempted to lay the foundation for a Jewish temple in the compound, sparking widespread outrage and protests among Palestinians. The incident resulted in clashes with Israeli security forces and several deaths.
Since then, Israeli authorities have imposed strict restrictions on Palestinian access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, limiting the number of worshippers and imposing age restrictions. This has only intensified the tensions and added to the already volatile situation in the area.
The recent escalation of incitement by Israeli settlers is a clear indication of the growing extremism and radicalization within Israeli society. It is also a reflection of the Israeli government’s failure to hold these groups accountable for their actions and rhetoric.
The international community must take a firm stance against these dangerous incitements and hold Israel accountable for any harm caused to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The United Nations and other human rights organizations must intervene and ensure the protection of this holy site, which is not just a place of worship for Muslims but also a symbol of coexistence and peace.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a religious site, but it is also a symbol of Palestinian resilience and determination to maintain their presence in Jerusalem. The repeated attempts by Israeli settlers to take over the compound and erase its Palestinian identity is a direct attack on the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
As Palestinians, we call on the international community to stand with us in protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque and preserving its sanctity. We also urge the Israeli government to take immediate action to stop the incitement and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
It is time for the international community to take a strong stance against Israeli settler violence and incitement, which only fuels the cycle of violence and undermines any efforts towards peace. We must work together to ensure that the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a place of worship for all and a symbol of coexistence and tolerance.
In the face of this threat to our holy site, we remain steadfast and united in our determination to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque and safeguard its future. We will not allow any attempts to destroy or desecrate this sacred place, and we call on all people of conscience to join us in this important cause.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a symbol of hope and resilience for Palestinians, and we will not allow anyone to take that away from us. We call on the international community to act now before it is too late and to ensure that the Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a symbol of peace, not a victim of hate.
