Widespread shock over Al-

Aqsa mosque attacks

By Xpress Reporter

There has been widespread shock and incredulity after violent scenes broke out at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, one of Muslim's holiest sites, following two raids by Israeli police, last week.

Hundreds of worshippers were forcefully removed and arrested from the mosque in the first day, resulting in several reported injuries.

In spite of mounting condemnation of the attacks in Palestine and the Arab world in general, the police followed up with another raid the following day, citing what it called “agitators” armed with sticks and stones who had allegedly barricaded themselves inside the mosque.

The Palestinian Red Crescent in Jerusalem said at least 12 people were injured during clashes in and around the mosque, and at least three of the injured were transferred to hospital, some with injuries from rubber bullets.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked outrage around the world, with United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressing “shock” and “distress” over images of police beating up worshippers with batons and firing stun grenades.

The South African government has also added its voice, describing the raids as “unjust”.

“The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with concern, the Israeli occupation forces assault on the Palestinian worshippers overnight at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“South Africa condemns these violent acts by the Israeli government against the worshippers and calls for calm and the withdrawal of the forces from the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The use of stun grenades and tear gas on worshippers is unjust. These actions threaten the internationally agreed status quo in relation to Jerusalem and its sacred sites.

“The Palestinian Muslim worshippers have a right to practice their religion in peace, without fear or intimidation of the Israeli police. Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to all Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims, and they do not require permission or approval from the Israeli government to enter or pray in the Mosque,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.