JERUSALEM - The grounds around the Al-Aqsa Mosque are probably the most explosive powder keg of Israel and indeed the entire Middle East at the moment. The shrine in East Jerusalem has been the scene of violent clashes between Israeli riot police and Palestinian worshippers in recent weeks. But there is more going on than a religious conflict.
Al-Aqsa is a national symbol of all Palestinians, not just Muslims. An increase in the number of Jewish visitors to the site worries Palestinians. According to Jewish tradition, the two most important Jewish temples ever stood on that site, which is why they speak of the Temple Mount. It is the most important place in Judaism. The ideas of fanatical groups that would rather see Al-Aqsa replaced by a third temple are gaining ground at the highest levels of Israeli politics.
Photo: ©Willem De Measeneer
ONLINE
‘Al-Aqsa is het laatste bolwerk van verzet tegen de bezetting van Oost-Jeruzalem’, MO.be, 16/05/2022.
