Jerusalem Heats Up! 5,209 Israelis Raid Al-Aqsa Complex
A total of 5,209 Israeli citizens were recorded entering and raiding the Al-Aqta Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem throughout August. During the same period, Israeli forces reportedly killed two Palestinians and arrested 114 individuals, according to data released by the Jerusalem Provincial Government on Tuesday (1/9).
In its monthly report, the provincial government highlighted an increase in the influx of Israeli citizens into the Al-Aqsa complex, accompanied by the performance of Jewish religious rituals inside and around the mosque gates.
According to the Jerusalem Provincial Government, Israeli police provided escorts and protection to the Israeli citizens entering the complex. One of the highest daily counts was recorded on 13 August, when 751 people entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque area. Simultaneously, Israeli authorities issued five orders prohibiting Palestinian citizens from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
Since 2003, Israeli police have permitted Israeli citizens to enter the complex, a policy that continues to face rejection from the Palestinian side. The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem emphasised that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a holy site for Muslims, and the institution has repeatedly called for an end to the raids on the mosque complex.
The Jerusalem Provincial Government report also noted the impact of Israeli military operations on Palestinians during August. In addition to the two deaths, 83 Palestinians were reported injured and 114 people were detained, including five children.
Actions against Palestinian property were also documented in the report. The Jerusalem Provincial Government documented at least 44 attacks targeting Palestinians and their property.
Authorities also noted 40 demolition and land clearing operations targeting houses, buildings, and land owned by residents in the Jerusalem area. Furthermore, during this period, Israeli authorities issued 86 notices and orders related to building demolitions and the cessation of work.
This situation unfolds amidst reports from Israeli media suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to escalate tensions to gain support from right-wing parties ahead of the Knesset elections scheduled for 27 October. Palestinians view Israeli policies and actions as part of an effort to alter the character and identity of East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque area.
They accuse Israel of attempting to make occupied Jerusalem a territory exclusively for Jews, while erasing the Arab and Islamic identity of the region. Conversely, Palestinians maintain their claim over East Jerusalem as the capital of their envisioned Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, Israeli military and security operations continue across various areas of the occupied West Bank. Cities, settlements, and refugee camps, including the Jerusalem area, continue to be targets of raids and arrests by Israeli forces. Violence against Palestinians and attacks on their property have also been reported to have increased since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023.