Photo Essay: Is the Third Intifada Starting? Oct 16, 2009
Contention over the disputed Al-Aqsa mosque and Temple Mount site have once again unleashed violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank ... Smoke and ire, rekindled: Clashes broke out between Israeli police and Palestinians at the end of last month after reports spread that radical Jews entered the Al-Aqsa mosque compoundin Jerusalem. (Slate)
UN panel debates Gaza War report Oct 16, 2009
It further condemns "Israeli violations of human rights in Occupied East Jerusalem, particularly the confiscation of lands and properties, the demolishing of houses and private properties, the construction and expansion of settlements, the continuous construction of the separation wall, changing the demographic and geographic character of East Jerusalem, the restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Palestinian citizens of East Jerusalem, as well as the continuous digging and excavation... (CNN -- World)
Mitchell, Abbas discuss statehood with contiguous territory Oct 11, 2009
"This is the key for peace and security in the region. There is no danger on the region except the continuation of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories,' said Erekat. Erekat also said that President Abbas briefed Mitchell on the recent Israeli security measures against al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city of Jerusalem, mainly preventing Moslem prayers from reaching the mosque.". Mitchell arrived in Israel on Wednesday night, where he held talks with Israeli defense Minister Ehud Barak... (Xinhuanet, China)
Protests against Israel flare in Palestine Oct 10, 2009
Protests against Israel flare as Mitchell holds talks with Israeli, PNA leaders_English_Xinhua. Protests against Israel flare as Mitchell holds talks with Israeli, PNA leaders. (Xinhuanet, China)
Fresh clashes mar al-Aqsa prayers Oct 10, 2009
Clashes have broken out in East Jerusalem amid high tensions after Palestinian groups called for a day of protest over access to al-Aqsa mosque ... The Palestinian Authority has accused Israel of seeking to "Judaise" East Jerusalem, and of allowing extremists access to the al-Aqsa mosque compound while denying it to Muslims ... The complex, known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and Jews as Temple Mount, houses both al-Aqsa mosque and the Jewish holy site, the Western Wall. (BBC News -- Africa)
Is00004000rael says there is no chance of peace for many years Oct 10, 2009
After two weeks of sporadic clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters, a showdown was expected yesterday when Friday prayers were called at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's old city. Thousands of Israeli soldiers and policemen were guarding the site after the Palestinian Authority called a one-day general strike and a leading Islamic preacher in Egypt urged the Arab world to rise up in ''a day of anger. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Grim omens as U.S. envoy pursues Mideast relaunch Oct 9, 2009
Palestinian leaders on Thursday called for a general strike over disputed Jerusalem and warned of further protests on the Muslim day of Friday prayers at al-Aqsa mosque. Israel says it is not taking seriously recent Palestinian warnings that a general uprising is about to break out. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Palestinians accuse Hamas over UN report Oct 9, 2009
AP Photo - Palestinian Fatah supporters form a human pyramid, during a rally supporting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 ... AP Photo - A Palestinian supporter of the ruling Fatah party chants anti-Israel slogans, during a rally supporting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Jerusalem's grand mufti: Israel wrong to block Al-Aqsa Mosque Oct 9, 2009
Sheikh Mohammed Ahmad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Orator of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, says he's concerned about the escalation of tensions in Jerusalem ... In rare interview, Al-Aqsa Mosque's Sheikh Hussein speaks out against Israel's actions ... Jerusalem - As grand mufti of Jerusalem and orator of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmad Hussein has the power to sway millions of Muslims. (Christian Science Monitor)
Al-Aqsa mosque tensions rising Oct 9, 2009
Israeli police are on high alert after Palestinians called a strike in defence of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound following clashes at the flashpoint site sacred to Muslims and Jews ... Salah, who has been arrested several times and spent two years in Israeli prison, has repeatedly called in recent days for Muslims in Israel and the Palestinian territories to "defend" the Al-Aqsa mosque against Israel ... Malki said he briefed Ban on "Israeli escalation measures against the Palestinians in Jerusalem... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Peace an illusion, says Israel FM Oct 9, 2009
Page last updated at 12:48 GMT, Thursday, 8 October 2009 13:48 UK. Dropping comprehensive peace moves would suit Israel's plans for Jerusalem. (BBC News -- Africa)
Syria, Saudi Arabia stress Arab unity Oct 8, 2009
The two leaders stressed that unity is up most need for the Arab world to face challenges, especially in face of the imminent challenges to al-Aqsa mosque, Old Jerusalem and the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, said Shaaban. "King Abdullah expressed his satisfaction on the development of bilateral ties, which has a long history and featured cooperation and coordination," Shaaban said, "and President Assad praised King Abdullah as a king loyal to Arabs.". (Xinhuanet, China)
...tensions simmer Oct 7, 2009
Tensions have run high in Jerusalem over the past several days after clashes broke out near the flashpoint site of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by both Jews and Muslims, on Sunday for the second time in a week. On Monday, Palestinian youths hurled stones at Israeli police in several neighbourhoods of east Jerusalem, with one officer lightly wounded after being stabbed in the neck. (The Drudge Report)
* Jerusalem on alert ahead of march Oct 7, 2009
TENSIONS: At least 2,000 police and border guards were deployed to maintain security after clashes on Sunday near the flashpoint site of the al-Aqsa mosque AFP , JERUSALEM Wednesday, Oct 07, 2009, Page 6 ... Tensions have run high in Jerusalem over the past several days after clashes broke out near the flashpoint site of the al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by both Jews and Muslims, on Sunday for the second time in a week. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Israeli reinforcements to secure Jerusalem Oct 7, 2009
"Israel is working on a daily basis to Judaize Jerusalem by building settlements, not permitting (Palestinians) to build and by assaults on the Al-Aqsa mosque, like we see today," Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Yemen's state-run TV on Monday. The Palestinians are fighting "tooth and nail" to defend al-Aqsa, he added, "but this needs great Arab and Islamic efforts.". (MSNBC -- International)
Senior Israeli Muslim leader held Oct 7, 2009
Tensions over the complex containing the al-Aqsa mosque and the Western Wall have boiled over into rioting several times in the past two weeks ... On Monday, minor clashes broke out at al-Aqsa mosque. (BBC News -- Africa)
Police flood Jerusalem's Old City after clashes... Oct 6, 2009
Police flooded into Jerusalem's Old City on Monday following clashes with Palestinians near the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and as tens of thousands of Jews attended a religious ceremony ... Thousands of officers deployed in and around the area, focusing on the Al-Aqsa mosque compound which is holy to both Muslims and Jews, and the Western Wall, the main Jewish pilgrimage site also known as the Wailing Wall ... The Palestinian Authority on Sunday urged the international community to "immediately... (The Drudge Report)
Gaza report weakens Abbas Oct 6, 2009
The Islamist group has also ridden the wave of anger unleashed by a series of clashes over the past week at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a site sacred to Muslims and Jews and a major Israeli-Palestinian fault line. Hamas leaders have repeatedly linked the clashes and the delay of the Goldstone report, claiming that Abbas, by capitulating to US and Israeli pressure, has cleared the way for further Israeli "crimes". (iAfrica.com)
Police patrol after riots at Jerusalem holy site Oct 6, 2009
Palestinian official Sabri Saidam accused Israel of "stepping up its hostile confrontation to the Palestinian population" by systematically seeking "to alienate worshippers and the Palestinian inhabitants of East Jerusalem and beyond by allowing Jewish worshippers to visit al Aqsa mosque." That mosque is part of Haram Al-Sharif, which means "the noble sanctuary.". Saidam warned of more possible violence. (CNN -- World)
Police deploy in force after Jerusalem clashes Oct 5, 2009
Police massed in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday following clashes with Palestinians near the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and as tens of thousands of Jews were expected to attend a religious ceremony ... The Palestinian Authority on Sunday urged the international community to "immediately intervene and bring the question of the Al-Aqsa mosque before the UN Security Council.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Israel shuts Jerusalem mosque area after clashes Oct 5, 2009
Adnan al-Husseini, the Palestinian-appointed governor of Jerusalem, said Israeli police had denied entry to the compound where the al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock shrine are located, though some worshippers had been there overnight. An Israeli police spokesman, Micky Rosenfeld, said the compound had been "shut to visitors" as a precaution to avoid violence. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
In Jerusalem, clashes over Temple Mount, Al Aqsa Mosque Oct 5, 2009
Israeli police and Palestinians skirmished Sunday over the closure of Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem for second week in a row ... Clashes broke out in reaction to Israel's closure of the entrances to the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third-holiest site ... The movement's leadership regularly warns of the impending destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque at Israeli hands. (Christian Science Monitor)
Palestinian killed by army jeep Oct 1, 2009
Tensions have been high in Palestinian areas since Israeli security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse 150 Palestinian protesters at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem on 28 September. Palestinian protesters had thrown rocks at mosque visited who they said were Jewish extremists, but Israel officials said were foreign tourists. (BBC News -- Africa)
Partial prisoner swap agreed amid Gaza violence Oct 1, 2009
In recent days, militants in Gaza launched homemade rockets at Israel in alleged responses to the Israeli practices against the Palestinians and against al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. Senior Israeli army officials warned that Israel would consider a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip if militants keep launching rockets at Israel, according to Israeli media. (Xinhuanet, China)
Anger at Jerusalem shrine clash Sep 30, 2009
Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse 150 Palestinian protesters who had thrown rocks at non-Muslims who entered the al-Aqsa mosque compound ... AL-AQSA/TEMPLE MOUNT SACRED TO MUSLIMS: First direction of prayer for Muslims, site of Prophet Muhammad's ascent into, home to al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock SACRED TO JEWS: Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice. (BBC News -- Africa)
Israelis celebrate Jewish New Year Sep 19, 2009
Authorities said an exception would be made for men older than the age of 50 and women older than 45 seeking to enter Jerusalem to pray at the Al Aqsa mosque Islam's third-holiest shrine on the fourth and final Friday of Ramadan. However, witnesses at the Qalandia crossing between the West Bank and Jerusalem said hundreds of Palestinians seeking entry to the city were turned away by Israeli troops. (MSNBC -- International)
Israelis, Palestinians Present Peace Blueprint Sep 16, 2009
The border puts the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, in Israel, while the Palestinians would get the adjacent Al Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest shrine. The document does not have a detailed chapter on the fate of Palestinian refugees and their millions of descendants, one of the toughest issues facing peacemakers. (Fox News)
Aides: Israel to Approve Hundreds of Units in West Banks Sep 5, 2009
Sept. 4: A Palestinian Muslim prays during the second Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. JERUSALEM Aides to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he would approve hundreds of new housing units in West Bank settlements before considering a temporary freeze in construction, in an apparent snub to Washington's public demand for a total halt. (Fox News)
* US easing stance on settlements to gain peace talks Aug 29, 2009
The women were on their way to pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem for Ramadan ... Police also restricted access to Palestinians wanting to pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalems Old City. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Crowds in Jerusalem for Ramadan prayers Aug 28, 2009
Tens of thousands of Muslim faithful are in Jerusalem for the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City ... Security forces beefed up their presence, particularly in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Profile: Jund Ansar Allah Aug 16, 2009
Page last updated at 20:49 GMT, Saturday, 15 August 2009 21:49 UK. Abdul-Latif Moussa was surrounded by militants in the mosque on Friday. (BBC News -- Africa)
Study: Bank Bonuses Far Exceeded Profits Jul 31, 2009
ATTACKS ON ISRAEL. THE JEWS WANT ATTACKS ON ISRAEL. THE JEWS WANT TO BE ATTACKED. "More than 200 Jewish extremists have reportedly entered al-Aqsa Mosque, positioning themselves inside the holy site, allegedly to perform religious rituals. According to a statement released by the Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage, the incursion was "significant". The foundation has called on Muslims, Arabs and all Palestinians to take action in support of the mosque." http://presstv ... THE JEWS WANT... (CBS News)
* World News Quick Take Jun 25, 2009
The Jordanian government on Tuesday condemned as provocative a tour of Jerusalems al-Aqsa Mosque earlier in the day by Israeli Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and a number of soldiers. Minister of State for Information Affairs and Communication Nabil Sharif urged an immediate cessation of such moves, which he said endangered the chances of peace. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Jerusalem diary Jun 2, 2009
Al-Quds University states, that "the Al-Aqsa compound (ie the Haram al-Sharif - site of al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, the third holiest site in Islam) cannot possibly be in the same place as the first or second temple". The first tour I went on was organised by al-Quds University's Centre for Jerusalem Studies. (BBC News -- Africa)
Netanyahu Says All Jerusalem to Remain Israeli May 22, 2009
The main issue is control over a holy site, where the Al Aqsa Mosque compound sits atop the ruins of the biblical Jewish Temples. Also, Israel has built large Jewish neighborhoods around east Jerusalem. (Newsmax)
What Obama Should Have Said to Netanyahu May 19, 2009
271 15 Sep 1969 Grieved at the extensive damage caused by arson to the Holy Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 21 August 1969 under the military occupation of Israel; calls upon Israel to scrupulously observe the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and international law governing military occupation. 298 25 Sep 1971 Deplores the failure of Israel to respect previous U.N. resolutions concerning measures and actions by Israel purporting to affect the status of the city of Jerusalem. (Slate)
Pilgrim's progress May 15, 2009
But the Pope's supporters will be hoping that by visiting Muslim holy sites - he was the first pontiff to go to the great compound of al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem - he will have improved the overall tone of relations between the Catholic Church and some at least of Islam's believers. The Pope wanted the journey to be a pilgrimage. (BBC News -- Africa)
Pope wraps up Holy Land pilgrimage May 15, 2009
He became the first pope to enter the Dome of the Rock on Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), also known as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is Islam's third holiest spot. The site, which the Jews call Temple Mount, is the holiest in Judaism. (India Times, India)
* Pope calls for Palestinian state May 14, 2009
Your holiness is fully aware of the situation in Jerusalem which is surrounded by an apartheid wall which fordbids our people in the West Bank from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa mosque, Abbas said, referring to the main Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Thousands of people filled Manger Square just outside the Basilica of the Nativity, which Christians believe stands over the spot where Jesus was born and where the pontiff later celebrated Mass. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
The Pope's Muddled Message for the Middle East May 13, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI walks in front of the Dome of the Rock as he visits the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City Ziv Koren / HO / GPO / AP. Pope Benedict XVI covered a whole lot of sacred terrain on Tuesday. (Time.com)
Pope's lack of specifics on Gaza, Holocaust disappoint Muslims and Jews May 13, 2009
On a Tuesday tour of Jerusalem's holy sites, the pope visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock with the top Palestinian cleric, Grand Mufti Muhammad Ahmad Hussein. Their dialogue was held away from the television cameras, amid extremely tight security. (Christian Science Monitor)
Pope meets with Abbas May 13, 2009
On Tuesday, Benedict became the first Pope to enter the Dome of the Rock on Al-Haram Al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) in Jerusalem, also known as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is Islam's third holiest place. The site, which the Jews call Temple Mount, is also the holiest in Judaism and has been a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where the latest Palestinian uprising erupted in 2000. (iAfrica.com)
Pope meets Abbas, calls for Palestinian state May 13, 2009
"Jerusalem ... is surrounded by the apartheid wall which prevents our people from the West Bank from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and al-Aqsa Mosque," he added. Thousands of Christians from Bethlehem have gone abroad since a Palestinian uprising in the years after 2000 saw an Israeli security clampdown and construction of the barrier that runs through and around the West Bank, restricting movement. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Pope tours holy sites in Jerusalem May 12, 2009
"Here the path of the world's three great monotheistic religions meet, reminding us what they share in common," he said as he became the first pope to visit the Dome of the Rock shrine inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site venerated by Jews and Muslims. "This sacred place serves as a stimulus, and also challenges men and women of goodwill to work to overcome misunderstandings and conflicts of the past and set out on the path of a sincere dialogue," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Pope visits Jerusalem's holy sites, says mass May 12, 2009
The area around, including the al-Aqsa mosque and known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, has been a focus of tensions since Israeli forces captured Jerusalem's Old City in 1967. When Israeli leader Ariel Sharon walked through what is known to Jews as the Temple Mount in 2000, Palestinian anger turned into several years of bloody uprising, or Intifada, against occupation. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Honoring Holocaust victims, urging two-state solution May 12, 2009
But Palestinians are keen to present an alternative image of reality, based on the fact that many West Bank Muslims find it impossible to obtain permits from Israel to reach Jerusalem and pray in the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. Related Stories 05/07/2009 05/08/2009 05/10/2009. (Christian Science Monitor)
The pope's pilgrimage of healing May 11, 2009
Tomorrow, the pope's itinerary will take him to Islamic shrines, the Dome of the Rock, and al Aqsa Mosque, where Muslims, aware of other papal gaffes, will seek reassurances of their own. The Vatican has called the pope a pilgrim of peace, although one Catholic observer proposed that he go as a penitent pilgrim. (Boston Globe)
Hamas urges Obama's administration to be clear on Israel's acts Apr 18, 2009
Taher al-Nounou, a spokesman for the deposed government, said that Israel "continues its aggressive campaign in the occupied Jerusalem to make al-Aqsa mosque Jewish.". The measures in Jerusalem, the intensifying the settlement activities in the West Bank and the restrictions on the Palestinian prisoners are conducted "while the U.S. envoy George Mitchell is visiting the region," according to al-Nounou. (Xinhuanet, China)
A defiant spirit Apr 11, 2009
It's mid-afternoon on a sunny but chilly winter's day in Jerusalem and rising above the cacophony of traffic a hauntingly beautiful call to prayer can be heard drifting from the al Aqsa Mosque in the historic Old City. Vanunu stands and glances around nervously, as if someone is watching him. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Prisoner of the state Apr 11, 2009
Mordechai Vanunu crosses a main road, then stops on a sunny but chilly spring day in Jerusalem while a hauntingly beautiful call beckons worshippers to prayer at the al Aqsa Mosque in the historic Old City. He glances around nervously, as if someone is watching, looks left and right, scanning faces in the stream of people moving in either direction, then points to a white taxi coming towards us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Israeli Jews hold rare prayer to bless the sun Apr 8, 2009
The Wailing Wall, also called the Western Wall, sits below the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest place. ADVERTISEMENT. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Personal attacks to silence the truth Mar 11, 2009
In 1969 Zionists burned and heavily damaged part of the al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities would not help in extinguishing that fire. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Plan to raze Arab neighborhood hit Mar 2, 2009
"It's just meters from the Al Aqsa mosque, and if something happens at the Al Aqsa mosque, I don?t know what will happen in the Arab countries, said Ahmed Rwaidy, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on . "It means going back to zero. " Many Muslims consider the Al Aqsa mosque the third-holiest site in Islam. A statement released by newly elected Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat denied any new orders had been issued on house demolitions, but affirmed that illegal Arab construction is to be... (Insight on the News)
Why 88 Arab homes received eviction notices Feb 26, 2009
Silwan is considered an especially sensitive area because it lies just outside the Old City and is the Arab neighborhood closest to the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. It has already been a contested site, as Israeli ultranationalist groups have moved Jewish settlers into the area in recent years. (Christian Science Monitor)
Don't Let the Mullahs Run Out the Clock Feb 17, 2009
Second, and even taking into account the officially messianic and jihadist rhetoric of the regime, it remains the case that a thermonuclear weapon detonated on the Zionist foe would also annihilate the Palestinians and destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque. (Even Saddam Hussein at his craziest recognized this fact, promising with uncharacteristic modesty only to "burn up half of Israel" with the weapons of mass destruction that he then boasted of possessing. (Slate)
Palestinian refugees sulk over power plays Feb 7, 2009
"We are keen on sparing the camps in this country any more suffering," said Makdah, behind him a picture of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque. "Everybody is a loser" if tensions erupt. (MSNBC -- International)
