Clashes at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem leave more than 150 injured

The Times April 15

More than 150 Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem yesterday. Tensions had increased after killings on each side in recent weeks, before and during Ramadan. Videos circulating online showed masked men wearing Palestinian flags throwing stones as Israeli police fired stun grenades and tear gas. The Palestinian Red Crescent evacuated dozens of people who had been wounded by rubber-coated bullets or beaten with batons. At least 152 Palestinians were injured. Israeli police said that at least three officers were injured by rocks. In recent weeks 14 Israelis have been killed in terrorist attacks and at least 25 Palestinians, including an unarmed woman, shot dead by security forces.

Comment

In a rare conjunction, three major holidays of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are occurring at the same time this year. It only occurs approximately once every 33 years. This rare conjunction of holidays is possible because unlike the Christian calendar, which is determined by the course of the sun and is widely used in the Western world, the Islamic and Jewish calendars are aligned with the moon and the lunar year.

Aerial views of the Temple Mount and parts of the Old City of Jerusalem (2007) – Photo: Andrew Shiva

Jerusalem is the epicentre of all 3 religions. This creates tension and this year it has exploded into violence on and around the Temple Mount. Temple Mount is where the Dome of the Rock is built. But it is actually on the very site of the original Jewish Temple. There are many predicting a new intifada coming soon ignited from these events in Jerusalem. In the 3rd week of April Iran promised new support for Palestinians. The initial inner ring war [coordinated by Iran] could start as the world’s attention is on Ukraine…

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.  (Zechariah 12:1-2)

Andy Walton

From the Weekly World Watch