There are long-standing tensions over control and access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount

  • Claim

The Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Haram al Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary), is a 36-acre site in Jerusalem's Old City, significant to Muslims as the third holiest site in Islam. To Jews, this location is known as the Temple Mount, considered the most holy site in Judaism, where the first temple was built by King Solomon and later destroyed. Control over the site has been a point of contention, especially after Israel captured Jerusalem's Old City in the 1967 Six-Day War. Although Jordan was appointed as the custodian of the site, Israeli police control security, often leading to conflicts. Tensions are further exacerbated by Jewish activist movements seeking to reclaim the compound and Palestinian concerns over Israeli intentions, making the site a flashpoint for violence, especially during Ramadan


Name

There are long-standing tensions over control and access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount

Description

The Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount in Jerusalem is a focal point of religious and political tensions, revered in both Islam and Judaism. The site's complex history and significance to both faiths have made it a contentious and often volatile location.

Types

Claim

Supporting arguments

A status quo agreement allows non-Muslims to visit but not pray at the compound. Israeli police control security, leading to confrontations. Some Jewish groups challenge this status quo, further inflaming tensions.
Post the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured Jerusalem's Old City, including the Al-Aqsa compound. However, Jordan retained custodianship, creating a complex control dynamic.
Jews regard the Temple Mount as their holiest site, believing it to be where King Solomon built the first temple. The Western Wall, a remaining part of the temple, is a focal point of Jewish worship.
Palestinian and broader Arab concerns over potential Israeli moves to change the status quo at the site often result in heightened tensions, especially during significant religious periods like Ramadan.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, part of the larger Haram al-Sharif complex, is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad made a night journey from Mecca to this site.

Tags

Causal factor to 2021 Al-Aqsa Mosque Raid