Israeli escalation at Aqsa Mosque

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned on Wednesday of continued Israeli escalation against Al Quds and its holy places and Israel's insistence to go ahead with its official aggression against defenseless Palestinians.

In a statement, the ministry called on the countries that signed the Fourth Geneva Convention to hold their legal and ethical responsibility and get Israel, the occupier, to respect all agreements and hold it accountable for its violations in the holy places under international law.

The racist statements and the arbitrary field measures made by Israeli ministers and officials are not part of Israel's powers as an occupier according to the Geneva convention, it said.

It strongly condemned Israeli practices in Al Quds, especially at Al Aqsa Mosque, in light of the unprecedented aggressive measures taken against those who defend the holy place.

Tensions have been on the rise in the holy city after Israeli authorities outlawed two Palestinian groups known as Morabitoun and Morabitat and denied them access to Al Aqsa Mosque.

Yesterday, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinian protesters at Al Aqsa Mosque for a third straight day, as Israeli forces were seen on the rooftop of the holy site.

The occupation forces fired tear gas canisters and the protesters, who holed themselves up inside the mosque, responded by throwing stones.

Israel have been trying over the past few months to allow Jewish activists to tour the courtyards of the mosque, which in the past has stirred angry reactions from Palestinians who fear Israel may change the rules for visiting the Al-Aqsa compound.

Source: MENA