Ramadan And Passover Spark Tensions At Jerusalem's Holy Sites
As the holy months of Ramadan and Passover spark tensions at Jerusalem's holy sites. The clashes between worshippers and security forces have raised fears of further escalation in the already volatile situation.
Author:Suleman ShahReviewer:Han JuApr 06, 20231.7K Shares355.2K Views
As the holy months of Ramadan and Passover spark tensions at Jerusalem's holy sites. The clashes between worshippers and security forces have raised fears of further escalation in the already volatile situation.
The latest acts of violence at Jerusalem's most significant holy site for Muslims and Jews have sparked international outrage, as they have in the past.
In one social media video, highly armed Israeli police seem to beat Palestinian worshipers who had locked themselves inside the Al-Aqsa mosque with a rifle butt and sticks.
Israeli police have produced their own video, which appears to show Palestinians throwing pyrotechnics and lighting up the prayer hall. Overturned furniture and prayer mats are strewn across the carpet in photos of the aftermath.
Trouble at Al-Aqsa: Israeli police clash with Palestinian protesters during Ramadan
Background Of Tensions
The holy city of Jerusalem is home to some of the most sacred sites for both Muslims and Jews, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall. The site is a frequent flashpoint for tensions between the two communities, as well as between Palestinian residents and Israeli authorities.
In the past, skirmishes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security personnel have frequently occurred at the site, causing widespread turmoil.
An Israeli operation here in May 2021 aided an 11-day full-scale battle between Israel and Hamas, the Islamic terrorist organization that administers the Gaza Strip.
This year, the overlapping of Ramadan and Passover has added to the already fraught situation, with both communities flocking to their respective holy sites to pray and celebrate.
Clashes At The Holy Sites
With tensions already high in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, authorities and diplomats have been warning for months about the danger of a fresh round of bloodshed at this holy site at an extremely sensitive moment.
In recent days, clashes have erupted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where Palestinian worshippers have accused Israeli security forces of restricting their access to the site. The Israeli authorities have cited security concerns and the need to maintain order in the area.
The situation at the Western Wall has also been tense, with Jewish worshippers facing off against Palestinian protesters outside the site.
Israeli authorities argue that they are acting to protect freedom of religion at the sacred site, which is hugely significant in Israeli and Palestinian nationalism narratives.
Muslims believe it is where the Prophet Muhammad went to Heaven, whereas Jews see it as the site of two Biblical temples, the second of which was destroyed by the Romans.
International Community's Response
The situation in Jerusalem has garnered international attention, with many expressing concern about the potential for further escalation and violence. The United Nations has called for calm and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could exacerbate the situation.
The United States, which has been involved in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, has also expressed concern about the situation and called for all parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.
Jordan and Egypt, both of which have recently been participating in Washington-backed attempts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, have also been harshly critical of Israel's actions.
Final Thoughts
The overlapping of religious holidays has sparked tensions at Jerusalem's holy sites, adding to the already volatile situation in the region. The clashes between worshippers and security forces have raised fears of further escalation and violence.
The international community will continue to closely monitor the situation and offer support to ensure that the situation is resolved peacefully.
It is essential that all parties involved engage in dialogue to find a solution that respects the rights and beliefs of both communities and maintains the sanctity of these holy sites.
Suleman Shah
Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences.
Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA).
Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju
Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality.
Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence.
Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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