Palestinian Officials Warn of Escalating Tensions Around Al-Aqsa Mosque

(MENAFN) The Jerusalem Governorate has warned of what it described as “blatant aggression” targeting the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli groups, amid calls for large-scale visits to the compound in occupied East Jerusalem.

According to reports, a group identifying itself as “Temple Mount” has urged supporters to enter the site en masse on May 15, coinciding with events marking so-called “Jerusalem Day.” The governorate said these calls are aimed at increasing organized access to the compound during a politically sensitive period.

As stated by the governorate, such actions are seen by Palestinian authorities as attempts to change the existing arrangements at the site by introducing religious rituals and symbols, including the display of Israeli flags, which they argue could alter long-standing understandings governing the location.

The statement described the planned visits as part of broader efforts to assert new conditions within the mosque compound and warned that they may deepen tensions in the area.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is regarded as the third holiest site in Islam, while the same area is referred to by Jews as Temple Mount, who associate it with ancient religious history.

According to general accounts, Palestinians view increased activity and control measures in East Jerusalem as part of a longer-term process affecting the city’s identity and status. They maintain that East Jerusalem should serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state, based on international resolutions that do not recognize changes made after 1967 or subsequent annexation measures.

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