Palestinians on Saturday sounded the alarm over growing incitement by Israeli far-right settler groups, accusing them of openly calling for the destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Noble Sanctuary, is the third holiest site in Islam and is revered by Muslims all over the world. It has been a source of conflict between Palestinians and Israelis for decades, with the latter claiming it as part of their “eternal and undivided” capital.
However, recent actions and statements by extremist Israeli settlers have raised concerns among Palestinians and the international community.
On Friday, a group of settlers, accompanied by Israeli police, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and performed religious rituals, a move that is seen as a provocation and a violation of the status quo.
But it is not just these actions that are causing alarm, it is the growing rhetoric of extremist settler groups that is causing the most concern.
In a recent video that went viral on social media, a prominent far-right Israeli settler leader, Baruch Marzel, was seen calling for the destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the building of a Jewish temple in its place.
This is not the first time such calls have been made, but what is worrying is the increasing frequency and boldness with which they are being made.
Palestinian officials have condemned these calls, describing them as a dangerous escalation that could lead to catastrophic consequences.
“The incitement by Israeli settlers and officials is a clear indication of their intentions to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque and build a Jewish temple in its place,” said Palestinian Authority spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh.
He also called on the international community to take immediate action to prevent such a dangerous scenario from happening.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement, warning that the incitement by Israeli settlers and officials could lead to a religious war.
“The provocative actions and statements by Israeli settlers and officials, if left unchecked, will have serious consequences not only for the Palestinian people but for the entire region,” the statement read.
The Palestinian leadership has also called on the United Nations and other international organizations to intervene and ensure the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the rights of Palestinians to worship freely at the holy site.
The international community has a responsibility to take a firm stance against these dangerous actions and statements by Israeli settlers and officials. The continued silence and inaction only emboldens them and puts the lives of Palestinians and the stability of the region at risk.
It is not just Palestinians who are sounding the alarm, but also Israeli human rights groups. They have warned that the actions and rhetoric of extremist settlers are a direct result of the Israeli government’s policies that promote settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territories.
The Israeli government’s support for these extremist groups and its failure to hold them accountable for their incitement only serves to further fuel the conflict and undermine any chances of peace.
The international community must also hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and its failure to protect the holy sites in Jerusalem.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is not just a religious site for Muslims, it is also a symbol of Palestinian identity and a key part of their struggle for freedom and justice.
The attempts to destroy it are not just an attack on the Palestinian people but on all humanity. It is time for the international community to take a stand and put an end to these dangerous actions and statements by Israeli settlers and officials. The future of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the stability of the region depend on it.
