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Here are frequently asked questions on #HandsOffAlAqsa
Al-Aqsa is a holy 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 is sacred, with ‘Masjid al-Aqsa’ referring to all the buildings there.
This sacred 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, the golden-domed building) and Musallah Al-Qibly (the grey-domed building).
These buildings have extraordinary historical significance for Muslims. Al-Aqsa 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 and a very important symbol of Palestinian nationhood and culture.
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.
Israel illegally occupied East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa in the Old City, in 1967. In 1980 Israel announced the Jerusalem Law, illegally annexing East Jerusalem. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem violates international law.
Since then, entry and exit to Al-Aqsa has been under Israeli control. Palestinian access to the holy site is restricted whilst Israel allows increasing numbers of Israeli groups to visit and pray at Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. These visits are known as incursions.
There is now a mainstream movement within Israel to destroy Al-Aqsa and replace it with a Jewish temple. This movement even has the backing of the Israeli government.
The Israeli government frequently allows Israeli groups to visit Al-Aqsa, accompanied by Israeli Occupation Forces. 48,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa in 2022 – more than any year previously.
Attacks on Palestinian worshippers are increasing, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. In 2021 Israeli Occupation Forces violently assaulted Palestinian worshippers. In 2022 Israeli forces brutally attacked Palestinian worshippers of all ages with tear gas, sound grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets. Over 250 worshippers were injured and there was significant damage to historic buildings within the compound, including the stained-glass windows of Al-Aqsa.
You can take action to protect Al-Aqsa mosque today:
Tweet out your solidarity and support for Al-Aqsa using the Tweet tab.
Share the 'I Stand With Masjid Al-Aqsa' image on your socials from the Resources tab.
Get involved with Aqsa Week 2024 (Monday 5th Feb – Sunday 11th Feb)
More info:
/news/2022/4/20/timeline-raids-closures-and-restrictions-on-al-aqsa
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-palestine-aqsa-mosque-raids-incursions-explained
/20230401-temple-mount-groups-pledge-prizes-for-animal-sacrifice-at-al-aqsa-mosque/
Story so far.
Al-Aqsa is a holy sanctuary in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is the holiest site in Jerusalem for Muslims and a powerful symbol of Palestinian nationhood, heritage, and culture.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, which has been illegally occupied by Israel since 1967. For decades, Israel has targeted Al-Aqsa in a systematic attempt to take it over. Today, more than ever before, Israel’s apartheid regime poses a direct and growing threat to the future of this sacred space.
We must act now to protect Al-Aqsa.
Some Israeli groups openly call for the destruction of Al-Aqsa to build a Jewish temple in its place. What was once a fringe belief has now moved to the heart of Israeli politics—with direct backing from Israeli ministers and state institutions.
The Israeli government regularly facilitates settler incursions into Al-Aqsa, granting groups police protection to enter the compound while Palestinian worshippers are restricted or violently removed. These provocative visits are called incursions, and they are increasing at an alarming rate.
In 2022, over 48,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa,then a record.
In 2024, this number rose to a staggering 53,488 settler incursions, the highest on record.
Meanwhile, Palestinians face increasing restrictions on their access to Al-Aqsa. Israel imposes age, gender, and permit controls, often arbitrarily and systematically targeting young men and worshippers from the West Bank.
Violent assaults on worshippers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, have become routine.
In April 2022, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers seven times in just 10 days, while more than 700 settlers roamed the site.
In April 2023, Israeli forces stormed Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, using stun grenades, batons, and rifles to violently beat worshippers and clear the mosque.
The situation has only worsened in 2025.
On 13 June 2025, Israeli forces completely closed Al-Aqsa, barring Palestinian worshippers from entering, and even cancelling Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer, an act not seen since 1969.
The compound remained closed for nearly a week, partially reopening on 18 June under tight restrictions. The closure followed Israeli airstrikes on Iran and was imposed under a declared state of emergency, yet again weaponising security to restrict Muslim access to Al-Aqsa.
These systematic violations have been condemned by UNESCO, which has repeatedly criticised Israel’s disregard for the sanctity and heritage of Al-Aqsa, an internationally recognised World Heritage Site.
If this was happening at any other place of worship, the world would be in uproar.
Our #HandsOffAlAqsa campaign is now in its 9th year. We must continue to demand international accountability and pressure Israel to end its assaults, incursions, and restrictions on one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Join us and say #HandsOffAlAqsa.
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