2023 Al-Aqsa clashes

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2023 Al-Aqsa clashes
Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Temple Mount (Aerial view, 2007) 05.jpg
The Temple Mount, also known as the Al-Aqsa compound, where the clashes occurred
Date5 April 2023 pre-dawn
(11 months ago)
Location
Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound, Jerusalem
Parties
  • Flag of Palestine.svg Palestinians
Casualties and losses
  • 1 police officer injured [1]
  • 50 injured [1]
At least 400 Palestinians arrested [2]

A series of violent confrontations occurred between Palestinians and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem in April 2023. After the evening Ramadan prayer, Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the mosque, prompted by reports that Jews planned to sacrifice a goat at the site (which is forbidden by Israeli law). In response, Israeli police raided the mosque in riot gear, injuring 50 people [1] and arresting at least 400. [3]

Contents

In the aftermath of the clashes, Palestinian militant groups [4] fired rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon – acts broadly construed as a response to the events at Al-Aqsa. [5]

Background

The clashes occurred during a period of increased Israeli–Palestinian tensions due to the convergence of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish holiday of Passover, and the Christian Holy Week. [6]

Since the beginning of Ramadan on 22 March, Muslim worshippers had attempted to stay overnight in the Al-Aqsa mosque, a practice usually permitted only in the last 10 days of the holiday (11–21 April). Israel Police had entered the mosque to evict worshippers nightly over Ramadan. [4]

On 3 April, Israel Police detained a Jewish activist with the Temple Mount Administration in an attempt to head off attempts by Jewish groups to contravene the ban on Jewish prayer in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and perform a ritual sacrifice for Passover, which would begin the evening of 4 April. [7] The same day, the National Security Minister Ben-Gvir advocated for Jewish groups to go to Temple Mount during Passover, but refrain from ritual sacrifice. [8] According to the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount site but not pray there. [9]

Incident

The confrontations began on the night of 4 April, when a few hundred Palestinians barricaded themselves in the Al-Aqsa mosque after Ramadan prayers amid concern that Jews might head to the Temple Mount to perform a ritual sacrifice, despite its prohibition. [10] In response, Israeli police raided the mosque in riot gear. According to Palestinians, police threw stun grenades, fired rubber bullets, and beat Palestinians on the floor with batons, injuring at least 50 people and arresting 400. According to the Israeli police, Palestinians threw stones and launched fireworks at police. A video released by Israeli police showed that fireworks were used inside the mosque. One police officer was injured. [10] [1] The events heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and have drawn international attention to the ongoing conflict in the region. [5]

The next night, Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves in the mosque again and were forcibly removed by Israeli police. [4]

Reactions

The Times of Israel reported a senior Israeli official's assessment that police "went too far" in their treatment of the Palestinians, that it lent weight to the al-Aqsa is in danger rallying cry, encouraged Israel’s enemies, and damaged Israel's reputation. The official called for a review of the officers' conduct, as they had been ordered to act with restraint. However, he stated that the police were compelled to enter the mosque after receiving intelligence that numerous Palestinians had stored weapons there with the intention to attack security personnel and Israeli civilians. Another Israeli security official blamed the Jordan-appointed Jerusalem Waqf for not doing enough against Palestinian rioters. [11] The Palestinian Authority and Hamas condemned the Israeli police action, which they described as a crime. Israeli authorities defended their actions as necessary to maintain public order and safety. [12]

Furthermore, the actions of the Israeli Police have been condemned by the ministries of foreign affairs of Qatar, [18] Turkey, [19] Jordan, [20] Saudi Arabia, [21] Bahrain, [22] Iran, [23] Morocco, [24] Algeria, [25] Pakistan, [26] Afghanistan, [27] Bangladesh [28] and Malaysia. [29]

Aftermath

Following the incident, Palestinian militant groups warned of further confrontation. [4] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that nine rockets were fired from Gaza Strip toward Israel. [5]

On 6 April, the IDF stated that some rockets were fired from Lebanon. [30] The rockets were reportedly fired by Palestinian factions. [4] [30] There was no immediate comment from Lebanon's army. [30] In a written statement, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the situation as "extremely serious" and urged restraint. It said UNIFIL chief Aroldo Lazaro was in contact with authorities on both sides. [31]

On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched a major surprise attack on Israel with rocket barrage and an incursion. The commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif, claimed the attack was conducted in response to "desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque". [32]

See also

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On 15 April 2022, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli Security Forces on the Al-Aqsa Compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. According to the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, the clashes began when Palestinians threw stones, firecrackers, and other heavy objects at Israeli police officers. The policemen used tear gas shells, stun grenades and police batons against the Palestinians. Some Palestinians afterwards barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque and proceeded to throw stones at the officers. In response, police raided the mosque, arresting those who had barricaded themselves inside. In addition, some damage was done to the mosque's structure.

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References

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