Turmoil at al-Aqsa Mosque

Concerns raised over whether the rise in tensions at the mosque could lead to more violence.

For the first time since 1967, Israel temporarily closed Al Aqsa Mosque to worshippers and visitors because of tensions in East Jerusalem. The police reopened it later, but it was a rare and unusual move.

Jordan, which holds custodial rights over Al Aqsa Mosque, responded by recalling its ambassador to Israel. Amman also said it would lodge a complaint with the United Nations against Israel.

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The latest escalation comes as a number of Israeli politicians and activists call for a change to the current situation.

The international community does not recognise the Israeli annexation of the eastern part of Jerusalem in 1967, and under international law it’s considered occupied territory.

Why is Al Aqsa Mosque so important? And could the ongoing turmoil lead to more violence?

Presenter: Martine Dennis

Guests:

Jawad Anani – former Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister.

Matt Duss – President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace.

Robbie Sabel – Professor of International Law at the Hebrew University and former legal adviser to Israel’s foreign ministry.