The recent attack by Hamas and the subsequent retaliation by Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life, with nearly 1,000 people dead. Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday, firing 5,000 rockets at Israel. The terrorist group has also taken Israeli civilians and soldiers hostage. They have named this operation as “Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge,” according to a report by The Times Of Israel.
The military commander of Hamas, Muhammad Deif, stated in a recorded message, “Today the people are regaining their revolution.” He also claimed that Hamas launched over 5,000 missiles on Israel. He urged Palestinians living in East Jerusalem to join their cause and expel the occupiers while demolishing the walls.
Significance of Al-Aqsa mosque in Islam
Al-Aqsa mosque is regarded as the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. It is located on a hill known as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, to Jews, and as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary, to Muslims worldwide. This sacred place is situated in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, as reported by Reuters.
The mosque is home to two Muslim holy places: the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as the Qibli Mosque, which was constructed in the 8th century AD.
History of the mosqueÂ
It overlooks the Western Wall, which holds great significance in Jewish prayers. According to historical accounts, the first temple was built 3,000 years ago by King Solomon. During the Middle East War in 1967, Israel captured the site and later annexed it along with the rest of East Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, a move not recognized internationally, according to the Reuters report.
Al-Aqsa mosque as a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions
The conflict surrounding the mosque has always been a trigger for tensions between Israel and Gaza.
In 2021, clashes between the two sides resulted in a 10-day-long war, claiming the lives of over 200 Palestinians and 10 Israelis, as reported by the New York Times.
In April of this year, Israeli police officials clashed with Palestinians, leading to a cross-border exchange of fire. This altercation occurred hours after more than 350 people were arrested and removed from the compound, according to Reuters.
According to the Waqf staff, police used rubber bullets and stun grenades during the evacuation, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Israel’s raid into Al-Aqsa mosque, its assault on worshippers, is a slap to recent US efforts which tried to create calm and stability during the month of Ramadan,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
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