Israeli security forces secure the area as a group of Jews visits Al Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Reuters
Israeli security forces secure the area as a group of Jews visits Al Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Reuters
Israeli security forces secure the area as a group of Jews visits Al Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Reuters
Israeli security forces secure the area as a group of Jews visits Al Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. Reuters

MENA

Israeli court upholds ban on Jewish prayer at Al Aqsa Mosque compound

Judge overturns decision by magistrates court that questioned the longstanding ban

The National

May 26, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

An Israeli court has overturned a magistrate's ruling that questioned the legality of banning Jewish prayer at Al Aqsa Mosque compound.

The compound in East Jerusalem's Old City is the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews, who revere it as the site of ancient temples, are permitted to visit but not pray there.

On Sunday, the Jerusalem Magistrates Court ruled in favour of three Jewish youths who challenged a restraining order imposed by police after they prayed at the site. The court said their actions did not constitute a breach of the peace.

The decision prompted protests from the Palestinian leadership, threats from Palestinian militants and a pledge from Israel that the status quo would be preserved.

The government filed a counter-appeal on Wednesday with the Jerusalem District Court, which found in favour of the state after nightfall.

The "special sensitivity" of the site cannot be overstated, Judge Einat Avman-Moller said in her ruling.

A right to freedom of Jewish worship there “is not absolute, and should be superseded by other interests, among them the safeguarding of public order”, she said.

Al Aqsa compound is the focal point of the conflict between Israel and Palestinians, who are angered by increasing Jewish visits to the site.

Jordan, which serves as custodian of Al Aqsa, has also voiced concern.

Israeli police detain a man after violence broke out during a visit by a group of Jewish people to the Al Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. All photos unless otherwise stated: AFP
Israeli police detain a man after violence broke out during a visit by a group of Jewish people to the Al Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem. All photos unless otherwise stated: AFP
Israeli police said they had repelled ‘dozens of rioters' who had been ’throwing stones and other objects’ at security forces.
Israeli police said they had repelled ‘dozens of rioters' who had been ’throwing stones and other objects’ at security forces.
Israeli police fired rubber bullets at the compound and briefly entered the mosque, where worshippers had taken shelter.
Israeli police fired rubber bullets at the compound and briefly entered the mosque, where worshippers had taken shelter.
Dozens of Palestinians gathered and chanted 'God is greatest' as Jewish groups arrived at the site.
Dozens of Palestinians gathered and chanted 'God is greatest' as Jewish groups arrived at the site.
Palestinian factions including Hamas, the militant group which rules Gaza, called on Muslim worshippers to gather at Al Aqsa on Thursday.
Palestinian factions including Hamas, the militant group which rules Gaza, called on Muslim worshippers to gather at Al Aqsa on Thursday.
Hamas accused Israeli authorities of 'playing with fire' by allowing Jews to visit the site.
Hamas accused Israeli authorities of 'playing with fire' by allowing Jews to visit the site.
The resumption of tours within the grounds of the Old City site follows a customary pause during the final days of Ramadan.
The resumption of tours within the grounds of the Old City site follows a customary pause during the final days of Ramadan.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most important site for Jews, who are permitted to visit but not pray at the site.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most important site for Jews, who are permitted to visit but not pray at the site.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said their medics did not treat any wounded worshippers on Thursday morning.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said their medics did not treat any wounded worshippers on Thursday morning.
Protesters clash with the Israeli security forces. Reuters
Protesters clash with the Israeli security forces. Reuters
The latest confrontations in the Old City come as Israel celebrates Independence Day, which marks the establishment of the state in 1948. Reuters
The latest confrontations in the Old City come as Israel celebrates Independence Day, which marks the establishment of the state in 1948. Reuters

Anger over the increasing Jewish visits to the compound during Ramadan this year, which coincided with the Jewish Passover festival, sparked confrontations with Israeli security forces that left hundreds of Palestinian worshippers wounded.

Jordan, a US-backed Israeli security partner that serves as custodian of Al Aqsa, has also voiced concern about the status of the site.

Tension is rising again over a flag march to be held on Sunday by nationalist Jews in Jerusalem's Old City to mark its capture by Israel during the 1967 war.

The annual event is resented by Palestinians, who want the Old City and other parts of East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state.

The US Embassy in Jerusalem urged vigilance on Wednesday, adding an advisory that US government employees and their families "cannot enter the Old City at any time on Sunday".

Transgender report
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

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Winner Autumn Pride, Szczepan Mazur, Helal Al Alawi.

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