The alarming rise in Israeli incursions at Al-Aqsa this year is a stark reminder of the growing strength of the Temple Mount movement and its ambition to destroy Al-Aqsa. In the face of this ongoing Israeli aggression, urgent action is required if we are to protect Al-Aqsa.
In the first few months of 2023, the average number of daily incursions at Al-Aqsa surpassed last year's figures by a concerning 16%. On Thursday Quds News reported that over 22,000 Israeli settlers had stormed Al-Aqsa in the first 5 months of the year. A staggering total of 48,000 Israeli settlers stormed the holy site in 2022, breaking all previous records.
These numbers are indicative of a disturbing movement taking place within Israeli society. Once on the fringes, the Temple Mount movement has now gained significant traction in Israel and support, both ideologically and financially, from the Israeli government, with figures like Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir among its proponents.
The Temple Mount movement showed itself during the Israeli Flag March in Jerusalem in May. Some Israelis, emboldened by the protection of Israeli Occupation Forces, chanted anti-Palestinian, racist slogans and physically assaulted Palestinians. They then provocatively stormed into the Al-Aqsa Sanctuary.
These flagrant violations were furthered at the end of May by the Israeli government, who held a cabinet meeting under the World Heritage Site that is Al-Aqsa. It announced it is allocating $26 million to entice young Jews to live in Jerusalem. On the grounds of Al-Aqsa, Ben-Gvir also declared Israel to be the "landlords" of Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa, nestled within the ancient walls of Jerusalem's Old City, holds immense religious and cultural significance. It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims and a profound symbol of Palestinian nationhood and heritage. Since 1967, Israel has consistently violated the sanctity of the compound. Tunnelling operations have undermined the foundation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and peaceful worshippers have been subjected to relentless attacks. The holy month of Ramadan has now become synonymous with brutal Israeli assaults on Palestinian worshippers.
In the face of Israeli provocation and aggression, words of condemnation are not enough. It is incumbent upon our politicians and MPs to take concrete action to protect Aqsa and demand sanctions on Israel for its ongoing violations. MPs must recognise the immense significance of Al-Aqsa and the imperative of safeguarding it from further desecration. Reach out to your MP today, urging them to take immediate action to protect Al-Aqsa. It is within our collective power to protect this holy site.
