Siege on Al-Aqsa tightens

The Israeli army is continuing to tighten the siege around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound.

During the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which ends Wednesday evening, hundreds of right-wing Jews have visited the Compound resulting in numerous clashes with Palestinian worshippers.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Information attacks started six months ago following the removal of 300 young Palestinians from the mosque by Israeli police in order for Jewish settlers to enter.

Jewish claims to Al-Aqsa are fuelling the tensions. The mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and is located in the heart of the Old City in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem.

Jews claim the mosque lies on the site of Temple Mount, the most holy site in Judaism, however many Rabbi’s, including Israel’s chief rabbinate, believe that entering Al-Aqsa is a violation of Jewish law.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the compound 14 years ago sparked the Second Intifada.