Tension over Al-Aqsa Mosque could usher in a new Intifada

Tension over Al-Aqsa Mosque is of great importance as the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks founder, Israeli analysts have claimed in Ha’aretz. As far as Hamas is concerned, the situation at Al-Aqsa, the third most important site for the world’s one billion Muslims, is the litmus test for a new Intifada, even as it maintains a ceasefire with Israel on the Gaza border.

As all eyes are turned on the US efforts to extend the talks beyond the original April 29 deadline, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is threatening to dissolve itself and lay the responsibility for the Palestinians on the shoulders of Israel as the occupying power. The greatest danger though, said Ha’aretz, lies in what is going on in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the friction between Israeli settlers and the Palestinians.

The Israeli newspaper pointed out that there is no need to recall historical proofs that the conflict linked to Al-Aqsa Mosque has been the central reason for tension erupting between Palestinian Arabs and Jews. It cited the incidents of 1929, 1990 and 2000 as examples. The wounding of two Israeli policemen inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and the arrest of 24 Palestinians on Sunday reflect the degree of tension, which has been increasing in recent weeks.

Ha’aretz stressed the sensitivity of the Al-Aqsa sanctuary, saying that it has been attracting extremists from the Israeli side whose actions provoke strong reactions from the Palestinians. This depletes the resources of the Israeli security forces, it added.

In its analysis, the newspaper said that religious Jewish organisations have included right-wing members of the Knesset in their activities. The PA, meanwhile, has accepted the apparent presence of Hamas members inside Al-Aqsa Mosque.