Since yesterday in East Jerusalem, there has been a lot of chaos between Israeli security forces and Palestinians. Israeli authorities have fired tear gas shells and ‘stun grenades’ during the clashes. Meanwhile, Palestinian protesters have pelted stones at the police. Israeli police said the stone was pelted on a road near the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque. At the same time, Palestinians say that in this holy month of Ramadan, ‘stun grenades’ have been fired on the mosque premises, which has injured more than 70 people. On Monday, Israeli security personnel entered the Al Aqsa Mosque and fired rubber bullets, tear gas shells and sound bombs on the Palestinians on the 28th day of Ramadan. Besides, Israeli helicopters were also seen hovering over the Al Aqsa Mosque complex.
Why this violence is taking place in Israel?
Tensions have risen in recent weeks in east Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israel and the Palestinians. At the beginning of Ramadan, Israel blocked off a popular gathering spot where Palestinians traditionally gather at the end of their daylong fast. The move set off two weeks of clashes before Israel lifted the restrictions.
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But in recent days, clashes have resumed due to Israel’s threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem, who have been embroiled in a long legal battle with Israeli settlers trying to acquire property in the neighbourhood.
According to reports, the clash took place a day before Israeli nationalists took out a parade from the Old City to claim a disputed area. After this, a clash started late at night, the possibility of further violence has increased in the annual ‘Jerusalem Day’ ceremony on Monday. The Israeli police had allowed the parade to take place on Sunday, despite the ongoing tension between Israel and Palestine for several days.
We insist on ensuring the rights of everyone, this occasionally requires taking a strong stand as the officers of the Israel Police, and our security forces, are doing at the moment. We back them in this just struggle.
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 10, 2021
Addressing a special cabinet meeting before ‘Jerusalem Day’ on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “will not let extremist force to influence the peace in Jerusalem.We will implement law and order decisively and responsibly.We will continue the freedom to worship people of all religions, but will not allow violent activities to take place.”
Tension erupted on Jerusalem day
Jerusalem Day is celebrated to commemorate Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967. Tensions have increased in East Jerusalem in recent weeks. Both Israel and Palestine claim over East Jerusalem. Palestinian devotees also clashed with the Israeli police in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound late on Friday night. It is being told that the Israeli court’s decision is responsible for the instigation of the Palestinians.
The court ordered the right-wing Israelis to settle in all these places. The Israeli Supreme Court was supposed to give a decision on this issue on Thursday, but now the ruling has been postponed to May 10 after a fierce clash. If the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Israeli people, then the Palestinian people would have to leave their homes. Amidst this tension, the old city Israeli police set up a barrier so that the Palestinians would not gather there to break the fast. The Palestinians considered it a violation of their right. At the same time, the police said that they have gathered to maintain law and order.
The US urged to maintain peace
The United States has expressed ‘grave concern’ with the current situation in Jerusalem. US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan expressed concern while speaking on the phone to his Israeli counterpart. According to a statement issued by US National Security Council spokesperson, Sullivan appealed to Israel to “make peace during the Jerusalem Day commemoration.”