Jerusalem Tensions Flare Amid Settler Activity, West Bank Raids
JERUSALEM – May 15, 2024 – Increased settler activity and Israeli forces’ actions have ignited renewed tensions across Jerusalem and the West Bank.Incursions at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, widespread raids and arrests, and government sessions have fueled the ongoing unrest, creating a volatile environment. These events have led to an escalation of tension. For complete insights into the evolving situation, continue reading.
Jerusalem Tensions Flare Amid Settler activity and West Bank Raids
al-Aqsa Mosque Compound Sees Increased Activity
more than 1,400 settlers, including prominent Israeli officials, entered the al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, marking the anniversary of the 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem. The group included National Security Minister Etamar bin Ghafir, Minister of Negev and Galilee Isaac vaslerov, and knesset member Isaac Krohzer from the “Jewish Power” party.
Sources in jerusalem anticipated a further increase in the number of entrants throughout the day, coinciding with heightened mobilization by groups associated with the “Temple.”
Jerusalem Under Heightened Security
Jerusalem experienced a day of heightened tension, transforming into what some described as a military zone. israeli forces implemented extensive security measures, including:
- Installation of barriers and barricades.
- Closure of entrances to the Old City.
- Resulting paralysis of movement.
- Purposeful economic restrictions.
Government Session in Silwan and Religious Involvement
Adding to the tensions, the Israeli government convened an exceptional session in Silwan, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.This move has been interpreted by some as official endorsement of the incursions.twelve rabbis known for their extremist views also participated in the events.
Islamic Endowments Department Statement
The islamic Endowments Department issued a statement detailing activities within the mosque courtyards. According to the department, settlers performed public Talmudic rituals and raised Israeli flags in the eastern square. The statement also noted attempts to bring “torah coils” through the Mughrabi Gate, which the department described as an escalation targeting the mosque’s identity and religious significance.
West bank raids and Arrests
Simultaneously, Israeli forces conducted widespread raids and arrests across the West Bank, particularly in the governorates of Hebron, Tubas, and Ramallah. This occurred amid ongoing military escalation in the northern West Bank.
The Al-Asir Club reported several arrests, including:
- Mohamed Abu Tawer and Musab Bahjat in Tubas.
- Ahmed Marwan Rayan in Ramallah.
- Muhammad Walid al-Mishni in al-Shuyukh, northeast of Hebron.
Additionally, six young men were arrested in Halhul: Adel Ali Abu Rayan, Saif Tayseer Abu Rayan, Mustafa ashraf Abu Rayan, Ahmed Musa Abu Rayan, Majd Amjad Younis, and Ibrahim Malik Al-Barbawi.
The wife of Mahmoud Al-Fafous was also arrested in Dura, allegedly to pressure him to surrender.
Settler Violence and Land Encroachment
Further escalating tensions, settlers allegedly kidnapped Ibrahim al-Na`laa from the “Wadi Jahish” area near Yatta, southeast of Hebron, after a violent assault. Settlers also installed electricity poles on Palestinian land near the “Avival” settlement in the “Umm Al-shaqhan” area, signaling accelerated settlement expansion.
Other Incidents
Other reported incidents included:
- Burning of agricultural lands near Ain Samia, east of Ramallah.
- Attacks on homes in Minya, southeast of Bethlehem.
- raising Israeli flags in Al-Wadi Street in the Old City.
- A provocative march in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Reported Attacks in April
A report by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority documented 1,693 attacks in April,with 1,352 attributed to the Israeli army and 341 to settlers. The report indicated an unprecedented escalation in violations since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
