The recent surge in tensions at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque, a hotspot of conflict between Palestinians and Israeli police, puts a spotlight on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This location within Jerusalem’s Old City has seen repeated clashes over years due to historical claims. A deeper insight into this issue requires an understanding of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its associated conflicts, the geopolitics of the controversy over Jerusalem and possible ways forward.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque and Its Associated Conflict
Recognized as one of Jerusalem’s most distinctive monuments, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is part of the Old City, a location of religious significance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The UNESCO has declared the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls as a World Heritage Site. However, the mosque complex has been a source of conflict between Israel and Palestine–specifically between followers of Judaism and Islam.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the most venerated sites in Islam, and the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, are located here. The Temple Mount is a fortified compound within the Old City housing two structures–the Dome of the Rock to the north and Al-Aqsa Mosque to the south. The southwest houses the Western Wall, a remaining part of the Second Jewish Temple and Judaism’s holiest site.
The Dome of the Rock, a vital Islamic shrine constructed in the seventh century, stands where it is believed that Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Before modern borders were established in the region, Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina often stopped in Jerusalem to pray at this mosque.
The Geopolitics of the Jerusalem Conflict
Jerusalem lies at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to the original United Nations (UN) partition plan in 1947, Jerusalem was proposed as an international city. However, in the first Arab-Israel war of 1948, Israelis captured the western half while Jordan seized the eastern part, encompassing the Old City and Haram al-Sharif.
The Six-Day War in 1967, an armed face-off between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, led to a shift in control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jordan’s Waqf Ministry which had been overseeing the mosque lost its hold. Israel seized East Jerusalem from Jordan during this war and later annexed it. Post annexation, Israel has expanded settlements in East Jerusalem.
Israel regards the entire city as its “unified, eternal capital”. On the other hand, Palestinian leadership across the political spectrum insists on East Jerusalem being the capital of their future state.
The Way Forward
The world needs to unite for a peaceful resolution; however, the reluctance of the Israeli government and other involved parties have only escalated the issue. A balanced approach might assist in maintaining favorable relations between Arab nations and Israel.
Recent normalization agreements known as the “Abraham Accords” between Israel and countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco are steps towards peace. All regional powers should aim for tranquility between the two nations along the lines of the Abraham Accords.
