#HandsOffAlAqsa
Israel get your #HandsOffAlAqsa
Every day under illegal Israeli occupation, the threat to Al-Aqsa increases. Call on your MP to publicly condemn the ongoing incursions and attacks on this holy site and to demand sanctions on Israel.
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Israel get your #HandsOffAlAqsa
Al-Aqsa mosque is a sacred sanctuary in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims and an important symbol of Palestinian culture.
Al-Aqsa is in East Jerusalem, which has been under illegal occupation by Israel since 1967 according to international law. Every day under Israeli occupation, the threat to Al-Aqsa increases.
Some Israeli groups wish to build a Jewish temple in the place of Al-Aqsa. The Israeli government frequently allows these groups to visit Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. These provocative visits are known as incursions.
Over the last few years, the number of incursions at Al-Aqsa and attacks on Palestinian worshippers have rapidly increased.
In April 2022 for example, during the middle of Ramadan, Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa mosque were attacked 7 times in the space of 10 days. Over 250 worshippers were injured, including women, children and the elderly. Over 700 illegal Israeli settlers were allowed to roam the holy site freely and protected. The glass of Al-Aqsa’s pulpit and the historic windows of Musallah Al-Qibly were smashed by Israeli bullets.
Most recently, the leader of an Israeli group has called for the destruction of Al-Aqsa.
The #HandsOffAlAqsa campaign is dedicated to protecting this sacred site:
- We encourage you to use the email tool above to write to your MP, calling on them to publicly condemn the ongoing incursions and attacks on Al-Aqsa and to demand immediate sanctions on Israel
- Get involved in Aqsa Week. This is a global initiative to promote the love of Masjid Al-Aqsa. It is an incredible week for people around the world to create conversation and raise awareness on the centrality of Masjid Al-Aqsa as well as the plight of the Palestinian people. The week includes workshops, talks, activities and shareable content for adults and children held by different countries and organisations, all under the banner of #LoveAqsa. Aqsa Week 2022 was the biggest yet, with events taking place at over 200 mosques across the UK and 50 countries worldwide. Aqsa Week 2023 will be held between Monday 13th Feb – Sunday 19th Feb 2023.
Read about Aqsa Week 2022 in Arab News, Middle East Monitor, Middle East Eye, Palestine Chronicle, Islam21C and Salaam Media.
- For resources on the virtues and significance of Al-Aqsa mosque in Islam, please visit the Aqsa Resources page.
Read about #TeamFOA’s recent #HandsOffAlAqsa protest outside the Israeli Embassy in London in Days of Palestine.
Downloads & Resources
FAQ
What is Al-Aqsa mosque?
Al-Aqsa is a sacred sanctuary in the Old City of Jerusalem, also known as Masjid Al-Aqsa or the Noble Sanctuary.
The entire compound including the land and buildings within the al-Aqsa sanctuary are sacred, with ‘Masjid al-Aqsa’ referring to all the specific buildings upon the land.
This holy site spans approximately 35 acres. Al-Aqsa houses roughly 200 buildings, monuments and courtyards of historical and religious significance. This includes the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat as Sukhra, gold domed building) Musallah Al-Qibly (the grey domed building). These buildings have extraordinary historical significance for Muslims; it is the third holiest site in Islam and the place where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven.
It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims. It is an important symbol of Palestinian culture.
Who constructed the building within al-Aqsa sanctuary?
When the second Caliph ‘Umar entered Jerusalem he requested that he first be taken to al-Haram al-Sharif, the place of Al-Aqsa.
He ordered the construction of a masjid (mosque) at the southern end of the sanctuary. This was originally a wooden structure but was later re-built as a solid structure.
Why is Al-Aqsa under Israeli control?
In 1967 Israel illegally occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa in the Old City.
Since then, entry and exit to Al-Aqsa has been controlled by Israel. Palestinian access to this holy site is restricted: Palestinians are randomly denied entry, there are age and gender restrictions in place, and Palestinians require permits that are difficult to obtain.
Why is Al-Aqsa under threat?
Some Israeli groups want to build a Jewish temple on the site of Al-Aqsa.
The Israeli government frequently allows these groups to visit Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. These visits are known as incursions.
Over the last few years, the number of incursions at Al-Aqsa and attacks on Palestinian worshippers have significantly increased.
We must take action to protect Al-Aqsa: use the email tool above to call on your MP to publicly condemn the ongoing incursions and attacks at Al-Aqsa and to demand sanctions on Israel
What can I do?
You can take action to protect Al-Aqsa today:
- Use the email tool above to demand your MP publicly condemns the ongoing incursions and attacks on Al-Aqsa and calls for sanctions on Israel
- Get involved with Aqsa Week 2023 (Monday 13th Feb – Sunday 19th Feb)
More info:
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-aqsa-mosque-raids-incursions-explained
