Description
Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also referred to as the Noble Sanctuary (Haram Ash-Sharif in Arabic), is a sacred site of great significance to Muslims all over the world. It is a place that has aroused fervent religious passions among believers throughout the history of Jerusalem. Many conquering armies have entered the site, but for over 14 centuries a status quo has been maintained according to which the Al-Aqsa compound is acknowledged as an Islamic property reserved for Muslim prayers. The holy site’s sanctity and safety have been increasingly undermined since the Israeli occupation in 1967 and it has witnessed numerous political crises and violent clashes, which have escalated over the last decade with the increase in “visits” by Jewish extremists under armed Israeli guard (while Palestinians are denied access). Particularly since 2014, the status quo at the Al-Aqsa compound appears to be eroding under attempts by the Israeli establishment and Jewish forces determined to strengthen their hold over the holy compound at the expense of Muslim rights. This bulletin explains what exactly constitutes A-Aqsa, its significance for Muslims, and what is currently happening at the compound (and why now), providing also a historical background and an overview of the latest developments. These include a rise in the influence of the Jewish “Temple movements”, their attempts to force a change to the status quo; and the Palestinian narrative of the latest events.
