The recent events surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif in Jerusalem, coupled with the impending eviction of a multitude of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, has thrown the limelight back on the deep-rooted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident was an offshoot of a march carried out by Zionist nationalists, celebrating Israel’s capturing of the eastern half of Jerusalem in 1967.
Al-Aqsa Mosque and Its Significance
Regarded as one of the holiest structures in the Islamic faith, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is located within a 35-acre site, recognized by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif or the Noble Sanctuary, and by Jews as the Temple Mount. It is nestled in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, and holds religious importance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike.
One can view the iconic Dome of the Rock, a gold-domed Islamic shrine that epitomizes Jerusalem, from the mosque. Constructed in the early eighth century, the Al-Aqsa Mosque has been classified as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Jerusalem at the Heart of Conflict
Jerusalem remains central to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian dispute. According to the initial 1947 United Nations (UN) partition plan, Jerusalem was envisioned as an international city. However, after the first Arab-Israel war of 1948, the western half of the city was seized by Israelis and the eastern region, including the Old City home to Haram al-Sharif, was captured by Jordan. Israel annexed East Jerusalem, which they had captured from Jordan in the Six-Day War of 1967.
Israel views the entire city as its “unified, eternal capital”. Contrarily, Palestine insists on East Jerusalem being the capital of their future state.
Sheikh Jarrah Issue and the Unrest
The dislocation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes post the creation of Israel in 1948 in historical Palestine triggered a crisis. In 1956, 28 Palestinian families were relocated to Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem. The Jordanian Ministry of Construction and Development and the UN Relief and Works Agency assisted in constructing houses for these families.
However, turmoil ensued when Jewish agencies demanded the evacuation of these families from the land in the early 1970s. In 2021, the Central Court in East Jerusalem upheld a decision favoring the eviction of four Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah. This situation remains unresolved and is a potential flashpoint.
India’s Stance on the Israel-Palestine Dispute
India recognized Israel in 1950 and was the first non-Arab country to acknowledge Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the representative of the Palestinians. India was among the pioneer countries to recognize the statehood of Palestine in 1988.
India has maintained a steady diplomatic stance by supporting the cause of Palestinian self-determination while also establishing military, economic, and strategic relations with Israel. As part of its Link West Policy, India has de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018, treating both nations independent of each other.
Recent Developments
In March 2021, the International Criminal Court (ICC) initiated investigations into the war crimes allegedly committed by Israel in the Palestinian territories it occupies, namely West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the US reinstated financial aid worth at least USD 235 million to the Palestinians in April 2021.
The Way Forward
For any hope of conflict resolution, a collaborative effort from the international community is vital. A balanced approach would potentially serve to maintain cordial relations with both Arab countries and Israel. The recent normalization agreements between Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco – known as the Abraham Accords – could be a positive stride towards achieving peace. It is crucial that all regional powers work towards fostering harmony between both nations in line with the Abraham Accords.
