Palestinian ministry warns of escalating Israeli incitement against Al-Aqsa Mosque

By Aysar Al-Eis

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs issued a warning Thursday about rising Israeli incitement targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site.

The ministry responded to a video released by the Israeli extremist group “Temple Mount Activists” that depicted Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock engulfed in flames, with captions suggesting the destruction could happen soon.

The ministry emphasized that the increasing hatred and threats toward Islamic holy sites are now more apparent than ever. It also noted that these threats, rooted in myths and falsehoods, are becoming more openly declared.

They pointed out the political and security backing for these actions from the Israeli government and its security forces, which protect these extremists during their regular incursions into Al-Aqsa.

The ministry called on the international community to intervene and stop the escalating provocations supported by the Israeli government.

It also urged the people of Jerusalem to remain vigilant and maintain a constant presence at the mosque to counter any potential plans by extremists.

Earlier in the week, the ministry reported that Israeli settlers had stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque 21 times in August.

The video shared by the “Temple Mount Activists” showed a large fire near the Dome of the Rock, accompanied by captions referencing a forthcoming victory. The group advocates for building a temple in place of Al-Aqsa and promotes regular incursions by extremists.

Occasionally, Israeli ministers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, visit the mosque, despite strong criticism from the international community.

In August, Ben-Gvir called for Jews to be allowed to pray in Al-Aqsa and establish a synagogue in its courtyards.

There has been a rise in Israeli extremists conducting religious rituals and other provocative actions at the mosque in recent weeks.

Palestinians accuse Israel of intensifying efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity, while insisting on East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa are driven by far-right groups openly pushing to replace the mosque with a temple.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul