Jerusalem: The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has issued a grave warning about the intensifying Israeli incitement targeting Masjid Al-Aqsa, Islam’s third holiest site. This alert follows the release of a provocative video by the extremist Israeli group “Temple Mount Activists,” which depicts Masjid Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock in flames, suggesting imminent destruction.
The ministry condemned the rising hostility and threats directed at Islamic holy sites, noting that such incitement, steeped in myths and misinformation, is becoming increasingly blatant. The ministry highlighted that these actions appear to receive political and security backing from the Israeli government and its forces, who are reported to shield extremists during their repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa.
In response, the ministry has called for international intervention to halt these provocations, which are reportedly supported by the Israeli authorities. It also urged Jerusalem’s residents to stay vigilant and maintain a constant presence at the mosque to thwart any extremist plans, reported the Tasnim News.
Earlier reports indicated that Israeli settlers stormed Masjid Al-Aqsa 21 times in August. The video by “Temple Mount Activists” featured a significant fire near the Dome of the Rock, accompanied by messages celebrating a purported victory and advocating for the replacement of Al-Aqsa with a temple.
Israeli ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have made controversial visits to the mosque, despite international criticism. In August, Ben-Gvir publicly called for Jewish prayers at Al-Aqsa and the establishment of a synagogue within its courtyards.
The recent rise in provocative actions by Israeli extremists at the mosque has fueled Palestinian accusations that Israel is intensifying efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem and erase its Arab and Islamic identity. Palestinians continue to assert East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
The incitement by far-right groups pushing to replace Al-Aqsa with a temple underscores the growing tensions surrounding the site.
