Tensions Mount: Israel's Iron Barriers at Al-Aqsa Mosque Draw Condemnation
Amidst escalating tensions in Jerusalem, Israel's installation of iron barriers at entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque sparks international condemnation and exacerbates longstanding disputes over religious and territorial sovereignty.
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The Palestinian Foreign Ministry strongly denounced Israel's recent installment of iron barriers at three entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, emphasizing its condemnation in a statement released Thursday. In the statement, the ministry underscored Israel's actions as a deliberate attempt to alter the longstanding historical, legal, and political significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Characterizing the installation of these barriers as a blatant breach of international law, the ministry called upon Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power, particularly concerning the protection of religious sites.
Furthermore, the ministry appealed for urgent international intervention to halt Israel's encroachment upon Jerusalem and its revered Christian and Muslim sanctuaries. Echoing these sentiments, the Palestinian Hamas group condemned Israel's actions as a "malicious endeavor" aimed at obstructing worshippers' access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
In response to mounting tensions, the Israeli police defended their actions, stating that the installed measures were merely reinforcements to personnel stationed at the mosque gates, refuting claims of obstructing worshippers. However, these assertions come amidst heightened restrictions on Palestinian worshippers' entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, exacerbated by escalating tensions across the occupied West Bank due to Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack. Tragically, the violence has claimed the lives of over 31,300 individuals since October last year.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque holds immense significance as the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Conversely, Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, citing its historical association with two ancient Jewish temples. The contested status of East Jerusalem, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is situated, stems from Israel's occupation of the territory during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent annexation in 1980, a move unrecognized by the international community.
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