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Thousands of Israeli troops deployed Monday around Al-Aqsa to protect Jewish visitors. (Reuters) |
CAIRO — Tension is running high in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) on Monday, October 5, as Israeli occupation forces have been deployed in masses to help thousands of Jews perform Talmudic rituals in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest shrine.
Israeli authorities detained several Arab youths from northern Israel and Al-Quds on charges of throwing stones at Jews praying inside Al-Aqsa plaza, Haaretz reported.
Earlier Monday, tens of thousands of Jews arrived at Al-Aqsa Buraq wall, which the Israelis call the Western Wall, to hear the traditional priestly blessing.
Thousands of Israeli security officers deployed early Monday in and around the Old City, particularly in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, to protect the tens of thousands of expected Jewish visitors.
The occupation authorities have also restricted entry to the Muslim holy site to Muslim worshipers aged 50 or older who carry Israeli IDs.
“We are not deterred and will continue to visit the al-Aqsa Mosque, which is very important to us," the Islamic Movement in Israel said in a statement.
Several Palestinians were injured and detained on Sunday, October 4, when Israeli police denied Muslim worshippers access to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Clashes broke out after more than 150 Palestinians gathered to pray outside the compound.
Al-Haram Al-Sharif houses the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Muslims’ first Qiblah [direction Muslims take during prayers] and it is the third holiest shrine.
Jews claim that their alleged Temple of Solomon exists underneath Al-Haram Al-Sharif and want to destroy the Muslim holy shrine to build their temple.
Diplomatic Moves
The Palestinian Authority has launched a diplomatic campaign to push the international community to press Israel into halting its provocations.
PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad warned European countries that the situation could quickly deteriorate.
"I remind you that this is where the Al-Aqsa Intifada began, after [Ariel] Sharon's visit" in September 2000, he told foreign ambassadors in Ramallah.
"The Palestinians' popular response stems from the Israeli aggression, and we are liable to lose control over events."
This prompted Sweden, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, to urge Israel to calm the situation in Al-Quds.
Jordan summoned on Sunday the Israeli ambassador in Amman to demand a halt to Israel’s repeated violations against the Muslim holy site.
"The foreign ministry today summoned the Israeli ambassador who was handed a letter of protest to demand an immediate halt to Israel's repeated violations in occupied East Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa mosque compound."
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh also urged the UN Security Council to take action against Israel.
"Such Israeli actions represent the main obstacle to launching serious peace talks with the Palestinians," he told the ambassadors of the UNSC five permanent members.
"They threaten international peace and security. The Security Council should immediately pressure Israel to stop its illegal actions."
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