The True Post (Web News) Jerusalem, a city holy to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike, has once again become a center of conflict and tension.
The Palestinian Authority has recently made serious claims that Israel is conducting secret and illegal excavations in and around the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque. These excavations are not only causing serious damage to centuries-old Islamic antiquities, but are also aimed at erasing the Islamic identity of the first Qibla and paving the way for the establishment of a Jewish synagogue there in the future.
The status and historical background of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the first Qibla of Muslims and the third holiest place of worship in the world. It is mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, and it is the place from which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set out on his journey of Ascension. For centuries, Muslims have considered this place the center of their faith and belief. This is why any kind of tampering or interference with Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered intolerable by Muslims.
Jerusalem fell to Israel after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Since then, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surrounding areas have been the target of Israeli strategy. Jewish settlers and Israeli authorities have repeatedly entered and desecrated the mosque, while the Palestinian people have always defended this holy site with the sacrifice of their lives.
Recent excavations and videos reveal
Videos circulating on social media show large stones being broken and underground excavations being carried out in some places. These excavations are taking place in the courtyard of the mosque and in various parts of the compound. Palestinian authorities have taken the position that these excavations are not simply in the name of archaeology but are a planned conspiracy to damage Islamic heritage and replace it with a new religious and political interpretation.
This issue is also serious because these Islamic monuments are not only of religious significance, but are historical evidence that proves the presence and ownership of Muslims at this site for centuries. The Palestinian Authority has said that Israel deliberately wants to destroy these monuments to weaken the Muslim claim in any possible future political agreement.
Palestinian Authority position
The Palestinian Authority has made it clear that the Israeli actions are a clear violation of international law and agreements. The status of Jerusalem is internationally disputed and any unilateral change here has never been recognized by the international community. According to Palestinian officials, Israel’s main goal is to adapt this holy site to the narrative of the Jewish state. They say that Israel is trying to erase the identity of Palestinians through “changing religious heritage.”
The silence of the international community
The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly warned Israel not to take unilateral steps in Jerusalem, but the ground realities are that no major steps have been taken in practice. This silence of the international community makes Israel even more vulnerable. Arab and Islamic countries have issued statements, but no comprehensive strategy has been seen at the practical level. Due to this, frustration is growing among the Palestinian people and they believe that they will have to struggle alone to protect their holy sites.
Past examples
This is not the first time that Israel has excavated beneath or around the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Previously, various projects in the name of “archaeological exploration” have resulted in the destruction of Palestinian heritage. Israel often claims that it is searching for the remains of the ancient Jewish temple, but Palestinian historians and archaeologists say that this is just a political project aimed at denying the existence of Muslims and distorting history.
Risk of tension in the region
The issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque has already sparked several Palestinian uprisings. Experts say that if the excavations and destruction of archaeological sites continue, a new and more violent public backlash could emerge. This could result in tensions not only in Jerusalem but throughout the region.
The Islamic world’s reaction
There is public outrage in Islamic countries, but government action has been limited. Turkey, Iran, and some Arab countries have condemned the Israeli actions, but no overall common strategy has emerged. This weakness of the Muslim community creates more room for Israel to advance its plan.
International laws and Israeli violations
According to international law, the population structure or religious status of occupied territories cannot be changed. This is confirmed by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and numerous UN resolutions. Yet Israel is openly violating these laws, and the world is content with just rhetoric.
The struggle of the Palestinian people
The Palestinian people have been making sacrifices in defense of their holy sites and land for decades. Young, old, women, all are standing up for the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Every time Israeli settlers enter the mosque or a new excavation project is announced, the Palestinian people protest in large numbers.
