DaysofPal- Israeli occupation forces have closed Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers for the 32nd day in a row, a move that goes beyond simple security concerns. This closure, the longest in decades, involves strict isolation of the Old City on the eve of the Hebrew Passover. The measures appear to support the agenda of extremist religious groups seeking to establish a new reality within the holy site.
Forced Isolation and Military Barriers
Large numbers of occupation forces have deployed throughout the area, erecting military checkpoints that block Palestinians from entering the Old City. Access is restricted exclusively to local residents, a policy that deepens the spatial and religious isolation of Jerusalem.
Outside the mosque walls, settlers performed Talmudic rituals within the Bab al-Rahma cemetery under heavy police protection. Simultaneously, “Temple Mount” organizations are lobbying for the mosque to be opened for mass incursions during the Passover holiday, which runs from April 2 to April 9.
Passover commemorates the biblical exodus from Egypt and is traditionally linked to the “Passover sacrifice.” Radical groups have intensified efforts to revive this ritual inside Al-Aqsa Mosque. In recent years, this has become a central point of conflict, with activists attempting to bring live animals into the courtyard for slaughter.
Observers warn that these symbolic acts are precursors to a permanent temporal and spatial division of the mosque, mirroring the current status of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. To encourage these provocations, extremist organizations offer financial rewards to settlers who successfully perform these rituals, hoping to pressure police into allowing public Talmudic worship.
The “Red Heifer” and the Third Temple Agenda
The current escalation also involves the religious concept of “Red Heifers.” Radical groups promote the breeding of pure red cows to use their ashes in purification rites, which they claim are a prerequisite for rebuilding the “Temple.” Recent months have seen increased activity regarding the importation and strict religious vetting of these animals.
These theological goals intersect with logistical plans to facilitate mass prayers at the Buraq (Western) Wall during the holiday, reflecting a coordinated effort to expand an organized Jewish religious presence around Al-Aqsa.
While Jewish religious activities are facilitated, Israeli occupation forces maintain a total lockdown on Al-Aqsa for the second consecutive month. This policy extends to Christian sanctities; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains closed to worshippers and visitors.
Officials informed the Islamic Waqf administration that the closure would be extended until mid-April. Institutions in Jerusalem, including the Jerusalem International Foundation, have described the decision as part of a gradual process aimed at asserting Israeli control over the site and placing it under direct security administration.
The situation carries added significance given its timing alongside recent regional tensions. Palestinians have been largely unable to pray at the mosque throughout most of Ramadan, including the Eid al-Fitr prayer. This unprecedented restriction highlights the scale of changes unfolding in Jerusalem and ongoing efforts to redefine its religious and historical character through force and policy.
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