• The Palestinian people have condemned the proposal and sought support of the Muslim world, especially Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Egypt.
• Since the bill has been drafted, the Muslim world is keeping a close eye on the development, as the turn of events could gradually see them lose access to Al-Aqsa Masjid.
Over the last few days, the tension is mounting in Palestine over the deeply concerning proposal drafted by a legislator of Israel’s ruling party. Amit Halevi, a Member of Knesset (MK) from the ruling Likud party suggested a plan last week to divide the Al-Aqsa Masjid into two parts, with settlers getting 70% of the present compound and Palestinians getting the remaining 30% of the area spread across 14 hectares.
The development is concerning not just the Palestinians but the entire Muslim world. Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site for the Muslims includes the ‘Dome of the Rock’ and the silver-domed Al Qibli prayer hall. This is a site where prayers and rituals are forbidden for non-Muslims. The hill where Masjid Al-Aqsa is located is called the Temple Mount by the Jews, as they believe that the two ancient Jewish temples stood there.
The Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh has warned against such proposals that would lead to overwhelming anger and unpredictable results, given the importance of the site for Palestinians, the Arab world and all the whole Muslim ummah. The Palestinian people have also condemned the step and sought support of the Muslim world, especially Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Egypt to prevent such a ridiculous move.
Some Palestinians also believe that the bill is only part of a large-scale project that could turn the political conflict into a religious war. The bill also comes on the back of consistent violations of the law and increased attacks by ultra right-wing settlers on Al-Aqsa Masjid. If the proposal comes into effect, it would also violate the 1967 ‘status quo’ agreement which prevents non-Muslims from praying inside.
The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein warned against a move that could lead to a worldwide religious war. The ultra-nationalist groups have long been pushing for imposing full sovereignty on the area. The proposal drafted by Halevi has also sought to revoke the Jordan’s administration, which has been the custodian of both Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Speaking on the matter, Halevi said, “If they pray there, it does not make the entire Temple Mount a holy place for Muslims. It wasn’t and it won’t be”.
“We will take the northern end and pray there. The entire mountain is sacred to us, and the Dome of the Rock is the place on which the Temple stood. This should be our guideline. Israel is leading. It will be a historical, religious and national statement,” he added.
According to the legislator, Jews should also be allowed to enter the complex through all gates, not just one. Presently, fourteen out of 15 gates of the Masjid are only accessible to Muslims.
Since the bill has been drafted, the whole world is keeping a close eye on the development, especially the Muslims, who are worried about the turn of events that could gradually see them lose access to Al-Aqsa Masjid and further alienate their brethren in Palestine.
It beaks my heart…
Yes please, can you make a article about it as Megalodon has proposed?
Baraka Allahou fik
Article idea make an article on what is the Islamic stance or view of the temple of Solomon? Did it really exist and was it originally a masjid or was it just made up by the Jews please make an article on this with Muslim references Jazakallahu kahir for this article peace.