Image Source: Al Jazeera
Jerusalem – Amidst global attention on the ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where 50 nations are challenging Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, Israel has seized the opportunity to escalate its aggression in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as reported by Palestinian Archeologist Abeer Zayyad.
She confirmed the Israeli occupation is actively demolishing residences and apprehending any Palestinian expressing dissent in the occupied Palestinian territories. Furthermore, the assaults and violence against them have also escalated, accompanied by the implementation of more restrictive laws which hinder Palestinians from accessing Al-Aqsa and engaging in their daily routines.
“Since 7 October, there have been a lot of restrictions for Palestinians entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. They want to change the status quo … For example, for Jumuah, they want 5000 people to pray instead of the normal quarter to half a million at Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
According to Zayyad, the restrictions on Al-Aqsa even extend to Muslim Palestinians holding Israeli documentation and residents of Jerusalem. This form of collective punishment of all Palestinians is aimed at preventing their entry into the third holiest site in the Islamic world.
While they may be subjected to these limitations, restricting the number of people allowed to pray at the Mosque simultaneously, such constraints do not apply to Muslim tourists visiting the compound.
Therefore, Zayyad encourages Muslims worldwide to come to Al-Aqsa and contribute to its occupancy, stressing the importance of maintaining an Islamic presence there. She highlights that without it, there is a risk of encouraging Zionists to pursue more malevolent plans.
Addressing concerns about travel during the genocide, Zayyad assures that it is safe for tourists, acknowledging the everyday typical challenges at specific locations due to the presence of occupation forces. Nevertheless, she emphasises the significance of visiting because Al-Aqsa needs support now more than ever.
“It is the duty of all Muslims to come [to Al-Aqsa]. We are hoping that they know this and that they will come [even if they are afraid].”
The Suffering of Palestinians in Occupied Territories
Earlier this week, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki urged the ICJ to deem Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, demanding a complete and unconditional end to it.
However, adhering to the typical United States approach, where they either veto a ceasefire or defend Israel, in response, the US dismissed the idea and urged the court not to bind Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories.
Expressing her distress, Zayyad remarked that amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, the number of civilians killed, and the escalated aggression in other territories, presently, this is a tough time for Palestinians.
With tears in her eyes and a strained voice, she conveyed their profound fear and vulnerability. “This is very hard on us, Alhamdulillah [Praise be to God] for everything.”
