Israel overnight removed all security infrastructure it had put in place at Muslim entrances to the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, stepping up its efforts to defuse political and religious tension.
The government had already dismantled metal detectors it installed in the area after the killing of two Israeli policemen on July 14, hoping the move would calm 10 days of often-violent protests that have put the city on edge.
Separate security measures, including closed-circuit cameras and low metal gates, were left in place, angering Palestinian leaders and the population, who have threatened a “day of rage” on Friday.
For More:Visit Us at Uju Ayalogu's Blog
Most Muslims have avoided entering the compound in the past two weeks, praying instead in the streets.
The standoff at the holy site, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, has provoked some of the worst bloodsheds in Jerusalem for years, with peace efforts have stagnated since 2014.
Israeli forces have killed four Palestinians in fighting in the cramped streets of East Jerusalem, and a Palestinian stabbed three Israelis to death in their home.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for calm, saying there was the risk of an explosion of violence.
Tensions around the holy site have led to long periods of unrest in the past, including the second Palestinian uprising or Intifada, which left thousands dead from 2000 to 2004.
“I am particularly concerned about the potential risk of escalating violence, urge all political, religious and community leaders to refrain from provocative action and rhetoric, and call on Israel to demonstrate restraint,” Guterres said.
For More:Visit Us at Uju Ayalogu's Blog
Amateur video shot overnight showed Israeli contractors dismantling gantries put up to hold security cameras and using forklift trucks to take away metal barriers from the marbled Lion’s Gate entrance to the mosque compound.
Witnesses said all the security devices had been removed and crowds of Palestinians gathered in the early hours to celebrate.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri confirmed the removal.
“Everything that was installed after the attack (the killing of the two police officers) was taken down overnight,” she said.
Muslim and political leaders were meeting to discuss the situation and determine whether they are satisfied.
The Waqf, the Jordanian-backed religious trust that administers the holy site, had declared its approval after Israel removed the metal detectors earlier in the week, but that did not reassure the public or political leaders.
It remains unclear, therefore, whether the Waqf’s backing this time – if granted – will be sufficient to defray the tensions and restore calm.
Are you an artiste? Do you want your music to go viral and reach a large number of audience? Promote your music and Submit your story on Ujuayalogusblog.com by clicking here. For Advert Inquiries Tel/+44(0)7590363984 Subscribe to Ujuayalogusblog.com News!
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2015-2017 @ Uju Ayalogu's Blog NIGERIAN NEWS
For More:Visit Us at Uju Ayalogu's Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment