Israeli attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque increases strain
A recent raid on Al-Aqsa mosque by the Israeli Defense Forces escalates tensions.
May 17, 2022
Israeli occupation forces raided Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, April 15, the third holiest site in Islam. Approximately 158 Palestinians were reported injured and hundreds more were detained during the attack, which took place in the early morning hours as Muslim worshipers prepared for their Fajr (dawn) prayer.
The attack coincided with Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, which spanned from April 1st to May 1st. Palestinians responded by throwing rocks and recording the attack, which included the use of tear gas and stun grenades.
The recent events are reminiscent of May 10th, 2021, when Israeli troops raided Al-Aqsa during Ramadan. After the raid ended, the midday prayers were still able to commence, with over 60,000 worshipers in attendance. After the midday prayers, many Palestinians walked around Al-Aqsa, chanting and protesting the attacks of that morning.
The nations of Jordan and Egypt have both openly condemned the actions of Israel. Jordan, which exerts much political control over the West Bank, issued a joint statement with the Palestinian Authority saying that Israel has initiated a “dangerous and condemnable escalation that threatens to explode the situation”.
The people of Jordan have also expressed their disapproval of Israel’s actions, gathering at the Al-Kalouti Mosque, within seeing distance of the Israeli embassy, to protest.
Since the raid, tensions have not ostensibly escalated any further. However, the occupation remains a constant reality for Palestinians.
