Masjid Al-Aqsa Attacked on Eid-al-Adha

By: Usman Saiyed

At least 63 Muslim worshippers have been injured and two have been arrested after violence broke out with Israel forces during Eid-Al-Adha. Tens of thousands of Muslims had gathered together to celebrate. Masjid Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site for Muslims, after Mecca and Medinah, and first for Jews because Jews refer to it as the Temple Mount.

Sunday was also the Ninth of Av, the Jewish day of mourning for the destruction of the two Biblical temples that stood there.

Palestinians gathered at the gate after hearing rumors that Jewish visitors were being let in. Israel police had originally agreed to barred entry for Jewish visitors but upturned their decision after clashes broke out. That allowed the police to enter and they fired stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets. Jews are barred from entering the compound after an agreement between Israeli and Muslim authorities. Jewish extremist has asked to demolish the mosque and rebuild the Biblical Temple.

These remarks have made Jewish visits as provocations and Palestinians fear Israel intends on taking over the site. The Israel government has continuously stated that they have no intentions of doing so.