Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam after Ka’abah in Makkah al-Mukarramah and Masjid al-Nabavi in Madinah al-Munawarrah, has been the target of Israeli Zionists for about half a century. Since the Israeli occupation of Palestine and subsequent hoisting of Israeli flag from the dome of the Mosque in 1967 and setting fire to the Aqsa pulpit and the Qibly Mosque in 1969, Israeli assaults like excavations undermining the foundations of the entire mosque, unauthorised visits of Israeli forces, and daily threats to rebuild the old temple have been continuing to this day.
On 30 October Masjid Al-Aqsa was closed to all worshippers. On 5 November it was for the first time since 1967 that the Israeli occupation forces entered the Masjid Al-Aqsa main compound and stomped through the mosque with their boots on. They stormed the mosque to clear it of Muslim worshippers and protesters, resulting in more than 40 injuries and dozens of arrests. The inside of the mosque was also not spared the Israeli aggression with damage to the windows and pillars. The unarmed Palestinian worshippers were attacked with tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets whilst trying to defend the holy site. The same morning Israeli brutality included the destructions of Palestinian homes on the Mount of Olives near Masjid Al-Aqsa. All these violent and provocative acts seem to be aiming at clearing the presence of Muslims in and around Masjid Al-Aqsa and subsequent Judaisation of Al-Aqsa in particular and Jerusalem in general. Thus the very existence of this historical mosque is under serious threat from Israeli Zionist extremists who seek to destroy it. All this is taking place as the Israeli Knesset is to debate splitting of Al-Aqsa up between Jews and Muslims.
Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal has urged Muslims to ‘defend’ the holy mosque after Israeli forces restricted entrance for Palestinians. He further accused Israel of trying to seize the site. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas also called the closure of Al-Aqsa a ‘declaration of war’ and a ‘dangerous and blatant challenge’ that would lead to more tension and instability in an already volatile situation.
Desperate Palestinians living in Palestine or in exile in other countries are raising their voice against this ongoing Israeli aggression against the unholy Zionist plan to seize Masjid Al-Aqsa through various means including massive use of social media. It is high time the Muslim Ummah the world over came forward to hold Israel accountable for this aggression and prevent the unholy Zionist plan. Muslim intelligentsia, social activists, institutions and organisations need to take the lead.