A series of violent confrontations occurred between Palestinians and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem in April 2023. After the evening Ramadan prayer, Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the mosque, prompted by reports that Jews planned to sacrifice a goat at the site (which is forbidden by Israeli law). In response, Israeli police raided the mosque in riot gear, injuring 50 people[1] and arresting at least 400.[3]
In the aftermath of the clashes, Palestinian militant groups[4] fired rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon – acts broadly construed as a response to the events at Al-Aqsa.[5]
Background
The clashes occurred during a period of increased Israeli–Palestinian tensions due to the convergence of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish holiday of Passover, and the Christian Holy Week.[6]
Since the beginning of Ramadan on 22 March, Muslim worshippers had attempted to stay overnight in the Al-Aqsa mosque, a practice usually permitted only in the last 10 days of the holiday (11–21 April). Israel Police had entered the mosque to evict worshippers nightly over Ramadan.[4]
On 3 April, Israel Police detained a Jewish activist with the Temple Mount Administration in an attempt to head off attempts by Jewish groups to contravene the ban on Jewish prayer in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and perform a ritual sacrifice for Passover, which would begin the evening of 4 April.[7] The same day, the National Security Minister Ben-Gvir advocated for Jewish groups to go to Temple Mount during Passover, but refrain from ritual sacrifice.[8] According to the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount site but not pray there.[9]
Incident
The confrontations began on the night of 4 April, when a few hundred Palestinians barricaded themselves in the Al-Aqsa mosque after Ramadan prayers amid concern that Jews might head to the Temple Mount to perform a ritual sacrifice, despite its prohibition.[10] In response, Israeli police raided the mosque in riot gear. According to Palestinians, police threw stun grenades, fired rubber bullets, and beat Palestinians on the floor with batons, injuring at least 50 people and arresting 400. According to the Israeli police, Palestinians threw stones and launched fireworks at police. A video released by Israeli police showed that fireworks were used inside the mosque. One police officer was injured.[10][1] The events heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and have drawn international attention to the ongoing conflict in the region.[5]
The next night, Palestinian worshippers barricaded themselves in the mosque again and were forcibly removed by Israeli police.[4]
Reactions
The Times of Israel reported a senior Israeli official's assessment that police "went too far" in their treatment of the Palestinians, that it lent weight to the al-Aqsa is in danger rallying cry, encouraged Israel’s enemies, and damaged Israel's reputation. The official called for a review of the officers' conduct, as they had been ordered to act with restraint. However, he stated that the police were compelled to enter the mosque after receiving intelligence that numerous Palestinians had stored weapons there with the intention to attack security personnel and Israeli civilians. Another Israeli security official blamed the Jordan-appointed Jerusalem Waqf for not doing enough against Palestinian rioters.[11]
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas condemned the Israeli police action, which they described as a crime. Israeli authorities defended their actions as necessary to maintain public order and safety.[12]
Lead spokesperson for the external affairs of the European Union Peter Stano said that the EU is "deeply concerned" by the violence at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and calls on all parties to show restraint at a time of religious holidays.[13]
In a statement by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, "strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli police ... and emphasized that worshipers should not barricade themselves inside the mosque and places of worship with weapons and explosives.".[16]
The Foreign Ministry of Oman issued a statement denouncing and condemning the Israeli occupation forces' storming Al Aqsa Mosque.[17]
Following the incident, Palestinian militant groups warned of further confrontation.[4] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that nine rockets were fired from Gaza Strip toward Israel.[5]
On 6 April, the IDF stated that some rockets were fired from Lebanon.[30] The rockets were reportedly fired by Palestinian factions.[4][30] There was no immediate comment from Lebanon's army.[30] In a written statement, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the situation as "extremely serious" and urged restraint. It said UNIFIL chief Aroldo Lazaro was in contact with authorities on both sides.[31]
^"Statement". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
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