Al-Aqsa Masjid also known as
Bait-Ul-Muqadas is the third holiest site for Muslims, situated in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is disputed area between Muslim community and Jews. For
Muslims,Masjid-e-Al-Aqsa is former place towards which Muslims used to say
prayers. This place is also referred to as the ruins of Temple Mount by Jews,
the holiest place in Judaism. Hence, Al-Aqsa compound is of great significance
for both Muslims and Jews, makes this compound the most contested religious site
of the world.
After clash between Israeli police and three Palestinians (from occupied West
Bank), the specific area and Al-Aqsa masjid compound at holy place was locked
down just before Friday prayers on 14th July 2017. This is the first time in
years that mosque has been closed.
A wave of unrest broke out after this locked down. Israeli authorities are in a
view that attackers had come from flash point holy site, which includes the Al-Aqsa
Masjid and the Dome of the Rock, to wreak havoc. Several hundred people can be
seen praying outside the entrance of compound.
The closure of Masjid-e-Al-Aqsa and compound triggered anger in Muslims and
Jordan, the holy site’s custodians. On last Friday, Jordan called for immediate
reopening of mosque. Jordan along with Palestine warned Israel that locked down
of this sacred compound is dangerous and unprecedented. The important political
and religious figures of Palestine denounced the ongoing closure of Al-Aqsa
mosque as a religious violence, also violation of religious freedom. On the
other hand, Israel indicated that the mosque will be closed until security was
assessed. Whereas, Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs Gaza Strip and
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas’s rivals, has welcomed the attack calling it
“a response to the Zionist terrorism and desecration over Al-Aqsa mosque.
Skirmishes broke out between Israeli police and worshippers, with Red Crescent
reported 17 people wounded. With increase in tension, two mosques in the
northern Israeli Arab Town of Maghar were targeted overnight.
Although, Israel is reasoning its act as security measures for the sacred place
yet the act of closure of mosque has triggered tension and anger. Proposals to
change security measures at the compound have sparked controversy in the past.
More than two hundred Protestants, protested outside of Al- Aqsa mosque wanted
the said mosque to be reopened. The Protestants were carrying play cards,
conveying the message “by locking down Al-Aqsa, Israel is throwing sacred place
on fire.”
Leaders of Palestine, Israel, and Jordan gathered in a meeting to settle this
issue. Muslims all over the world are angered on this locked down.Pakistan Ulema
council also gave remarks that closure of Al-Aqsa mosque is unbearable.Turkey,
Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt along with different communities and Unions
condemned and denounced the recurrent Israeli aggression against sanctity of Al-Aqsa
Mosque and closure of doors for worshippers.
The said tensions prompted international community to call for tranquil and
restoration of the status quo, which gives religious control over the compound
to Muslims and the Jews right to visit this sacred place, but not pray there.In
United Nations Security Council briefing, the importance of early solution of
crisiswas mentioned.
Concluding more, the protection of Islamic character and sanctity of Al- Quds
(Jerusalem) and Al-Haram-Al-Sharif (Al-Aqsa Mosque) is important for the whole
Muslim world. It is need of the hour that Muslim countries should gather against
this act of Israel to protect this sacred place.