As the Israel-Hamas conflict reaches its seventh day on Saturday, tensions continue to mount in various parts of the country, with a particular focus on the city of Jerusalem. This report from India Today delves into the current situation at this holy site in Jerusalem.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been strategically advancing their ground troops in the northern region of Gaza to eliminate Hamas militants, unrest prevails in other areas, notably the capital, Jerusalem. Jerusalem, a city that has often been a focal point for violence on Fridays, exhibited a comparatively subdued atmosphere this time.
The recent strife erupted when Hamas initiated a terror attack against Israel on October 7, referred to as 'Operation Al Aqsa Flood Battle'. This surprise assault, featuring ground infiltrations into southern Israeli cities and the targeting of civilians, prompted Israel's retaliatory 'Operation Iron Swords'. The ongoing battle between these two adversaries has sadly resulted in the loss of over 3,200 lives.
Following a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas terrorists towards southern Israel last weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a "state of war" and made a commitment to eradicate terrorists from his country. This marks an unprecedented situation in the history of the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Jerusalem, a city renowned for its diverse populace representing various faiths and religions, including Jews, Orthodox Jews, and Arabs, has witnessed a surge in violent confrontations between Palestinians and pro-Palestine supporters against Israeli forces. India Today TV was on the scene to witness the situation in Jerusalem. The protests escalated when demonstrators targeted a police station near the Damascus Gate at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, leading to injuries among the police personnel. Tragically, two protesters lost their lives in this incident. Friday marked the first day of prayer following 'Operation Al-Aqsa,' carried out by the Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine, commonly known as Hamas.
While there have been no airstrikes in Jerusalem, the atmosphere remains tense, taking into account the city's political significance for both Israel and Palestine.
Since Friday morning, neighborhoods in Jerusalem with predominantly Arab populations have been eerily deserted. Shops remained closed, markets were shuttered, and very few individuals could be seen on the streets in these regions.
A local resident conveyed to India Today TV that the situation at the iconic Al-Aqsa Mosque was "not good." She mentioned that entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers had been restricted due to the ongoing situation. Additionally, she highlighted the challenges faced by Gaza residents, such as closed roads and limited access to aid.
Al-Aqsa Mosque experienced a significant reduction in the number of worshippers due to restrictions imposed by the Jordanian Waqf, which administers the holy sites for Muslims. Israel implemented a ban on the entry of Palestinians under the age of 60, and approximately 2,500 officers were stationed at the holy site to enforce this. This was in contrast to the expected influx of worshippers for the Friday prayers.
The mosque complex has already endured the brunt of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Israeli forces conducting continuous airstrikes on Gaza for six days. Gaza, a Palestinian enclave home to more than 2 million people, has been severely affected.
To maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents, extensive security measures have been put in place, as Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque remain sources of contention between Israel and Palestine. Young Muslim men were denied entry to the Damascus Gate leading to Al-Aqsa, and they were subjected to regular searches and frisking from Saturday onward.
Around noon, a limited number of Muslim worshippers were permitted to enter the mosque. However, their presence was sparse, which led to resistance and increasingly confrontational protests. Despite a few minor clashes between Palestinian supporters and Israeli forces in Jerusalem neighborhoods, the city remained relatively calm on Friday.
While military forces are engaged in escalated air incursions and ground offensives, it appears that the desire for peace has not dissipated from the hearts of both Palestinians and Israelis.
One Palestinian woman named Asifa expressed a desire for peace, emphasizing the tragic loss of lives in Gaza and the inability to provide aid to those in need. She also noted that access had been restricted.
In the Jewish faith, the Shabbath is a sacred day when adherents observe peace and offer prayers to God, designating it as a day of rest in Judaism. It begins at 5 pm on Friday and extends until Saturday evening according to the civil calendar. This is the holiest day for Jews, as explained by a senior journalist and Jew residing in Jerusalem.
The journalist noted that Hamas initiated its attack on the day when Jews observed this special occasion, refraining from using mobile phones, gadgets, electricity, or transportation. This unique circumstance contributed to the heightened casualty count. Despite the terrifying situation, the journalist conveyed that she, like everyone else, felt fear, but emphasized Israel's determination to continue the fight.
The impact of the conflict extended to various aspects of daily life in Jerusalem. Tram services ceased, markets closed down, and dining establishments remained locked due to safety concerns. Even Arab-owned shops were shuttered on Shabbat night to prevent potential violent confrontations. With the exception of police vehicles patrolling the streets, there was minimal activity, as Jewish residents returned home after their prayers.
The old city of Israel, Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, holds its unique charm. This ancient city, marked by its rich diversity, reflects the essence of Israel. However, it has struggled to unite individuals of different faiths. Typically, when Shabbat commences, the city comes to a standstill.
Jews and Orthodox Jews traditionally converge at the Western Wall to offer their prayers, while mosques announce the call to prayer, known as azan. Currently, as the sun sets and prayers echo through the city, the prevailing silence and heightened religious significance add to the palpable tension in this part of Israel.
A pedestrian named Christian Simon, accompanied by his pet, took a stroll through the quiet streets near the Western Wall. He mused about human nature, acknowledging that while the desire for peace exists, conflict is an intrinsic aspect of humanity.
Another individual, named Abe, was witnessed preaching messages of Jesus Christ on the streets. However, in predominantly Jewish areas, he found no audience, highlighting the discord between different faiths. He conveyed that since there is only one God and Jews do not believe in Him, peace remains elusive.
Many Christians like Abe gather in the Western Wall areas for their spiritual practices, though these often result in slogans expressing their respective faith and religious beliefs.
The death toll in the Israel-Gaza conflict has reached 3,200 individuals. Israeli casualties have exceeded 1,300, while Gaza authorities have reported the deaths of over 1,900 Palestinians.
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