Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of the “seriousness of Zionist actions regarding the spatial division of Jerusalem”.
In an urgent letter sent to the US administration yesterday, Abbas warned: “The continuation of Zionist policies in Jerusalem will lead to an explosive reaction that cannot be controlled.” The president said he blames the Israeli government for the dangerous escalation of events currently affecting the region.
Abbas called on the US government to intervene and to stop the escalation of settler activity in East Jerusalem as well as the extreme actions undertaken at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Israeli Knesset plans to vote next month on the decision to spatially and temporally divide Al-Aqsa Mosque so that both Jews and Muslims will be allocated specific times to pray.
The Jordanian Ambassador to Israel, Walid Obeidat, expressed his country’s disapproval regarding the Knesset’s intentions and warned of the serious implications that such actions would entail for both countries.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been subject to violence and vandalism from both Israeli military forces as well as extremist settlers on an almost daily basis. According to Palestinian officials, Israel’s actions toward Al-Aqsa not only intend to cause maximum damage but also aim to help facilitate the mosque’s division.
Israeli forces have increased security measures in Jerusalem after the government announced its plans to increase and expedite settlement expansion in Palestinian areas of the cities. The Israeli government’s decision is being met with daily clashes and protests between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces. Many Palestinians have been arrested.