#0202_A_View_From_East_Jerusalem
Survey of Israelis entering Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound [1]
“Survey: 16 thousand [Israeli] settlers infiltrated Al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the year
On Friday [June 29, 2018], an Israeli survey reported that 16 thousand settlers infiltrated Al-Aqsa Mosque from the beginning of this year up until the month of June.
According to the survey which was reported by Israel‘s Channel 7, this is the highest number [of settlers] ever and breaks all records of the last few years; during 2017 only 14 thousand [Israeli] settlers infiltrated Al-Aqsa. The survey also indicates that 384 settlers infiltrated Al-Aqsa Mosque this week, which is a 15% increase from this same time last year.
The Minister of Public Security for the Occupation, extremist Gilad Erdan, praised the state of calm which now pervades Jerusalem after the wave of attacks the city witnessed in the last years.
Erdan boasted in an extensive interview with Israel’s Channel 7 that this state of calm increased the number of Israelis that ‘visited the Temple Mount’ (infiltrate Al-Aqsa Mosque).
He went on to emphasise the importance of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa to ‘Israelis’ and to tourists from all over the world, and the importance of stability in the city. He pointed out that stopping attacks was one of the reasons behind the increase in the number of ‘Jews visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque,’ as well as foreign tourists.”
– Al-Quds Research and Studies Center
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0202 Editor’s Note:
Since 1967, Jordan and Israel agreed that the Waqf, or the Islamic trust, would have control over matters inside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Israel would control external security. Non-Muslims would be allowed onto the site during visiting hours, but would not be allowed to pray there. This agreement is what is referred to as the “status quo.”
However, in recent years, Jewish movements who advocate for the right of Jews to visit Al-Aqsa have challenged the Israeli government's ban on allowing Jews to enter the compound. Today, Israeli forces routinely allow Jewish groups to enter the Al-Aqsa Compound under police and army protection, stirring Palestinian fears of an Israeli takeover of the compound.
#AlAqsa #Gilad_Erdan
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