The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories has been tense for several weeks. Violent riots break out in Jerusalem on Good Friday.
Supporters of the Palestinian Hamas and the Islamist jihad group gather in front of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City. April 15, 2022
(dpa)
Amid an already tense security situation, Israeli security forces and Palestinians clash on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. More than 150 people were injured on Good Friday. The violence erupted after morning prayers ended at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The clashes further intensified tensions after a wave of terror in recent weeks.
Overshadowed by the clashes, hundreds of Christians in Jerusalem commemorated Jesus’ Way of the Cross. The procession passed through the old town. There was a large contingent of security forces. For the first time in three years, tourists and pilgrims were able to enter the Holy Land at Easter. Because of the corona pandemic, Israel had closed its borders to visitors. Entry for unvaccinated tourists has only been allowed again since March.
This Friday was already eagerly awaited. Tens of thousands of Muslims came to Jerusalem’s Old City for Friday prayers on and around the Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) during the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan. The Jewish Passover festival, which also attracts believers and visitors, also began on Friday evening. More than 30,000 foreign tourists are also expected.
tear gas and rubber bullets
Israeli police said Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the al-Aqsa mosque early in the morning, throwing stones and setting off firecrackers. There were about 100 rioters among 12,000 believers. The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least 152 Palestinians were injured when Israeli security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets. According to media reports, three Israeli police officers were also injured.
Israeli security forces also entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself. Hundreds of Palestinians have been arrested, the Israeli police said. She blamed “rioters” for the violence. Foreign Minister Jair Lapid described the riots as unacceptable. The Fatah movement of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Islamist Hamas in turn blamed the Israeli security forces.
The United Nations and the EU expressed concern. UN Middle East Envoy Tor Wennesland called on both sides to prevent further provocations. A spokesman for the EU foreign service also said the violence must stop immediately.
Focus Temple Mount
The Temple Mount is always a place of controversy. With the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, it is the third holiest site in Islam. There used to be two Jewish temples there, the last of which was destroyed by the Romans in 70. The Western Wall is a remnant of that destroyed temple and is the holiest site for the Jews.
The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories was already extremely tense: 14 people were killed in four attacks in Israel in the past few weeks. The attackers in two attacks were Israeli Arabs with ties to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization. In the other two attacks, the attackers were Palestinians from the occupied West Bank. A Palestinian shot dead three people in Tel Aviv last week.
The Israeli security forces expanded their activities in the occupied West Bank. Several Palestinians have been killed in military operations, but also in their own attacks and clashes with the army. Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Palestinians claim the territories for their own state with East Jerusalem as the capital.
Further acts of violence feared
The traditional Good Friday procession marched along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The faithful walked the Stations of the Cross carrying wooden crosses in memory of Jesus’ suffering. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher stands on the site where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus died and rose again. It is considered the holiest place in Christianity. The Temple Mount is just a few minutes’ walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Israel fears more acts of violence during Ramadan. Israel’s army sent more troops to the West Bank. In addition, 1000 soldiers are to support the police in Israel. According to media reports, Israel is also taking more action against Palestinians who work illegally in Israel.