A History of Endless"Israeli" Attempts To Demolish Al-Aqsa
"Israeli" attempts to judaize al-Quds and particularly al-Aqsa mosque never stop. The latest attempt is manifested by Zionist plans to hoist an "Israeli" flag inside al-Aqsa Holy Mosque.
Under the title, "Zionists Planning al-Aqsa Demolition," DR. S. Ausaf Saied Vasi
unveiled that there are "sustained "Israeli" efforts for the ultimate destruction of the Qibla-e-Awwal, consisting of Masjid al-Aqsa at al-Quds."
According to the writer, "a Zionist group, on May 28, hoisted a 3-metre long "Israeli" flag inside the al-Aqsa and took photos with fluttering flags in the backdrop."
He further pointed out that "Likud Party periodically provoked the extremist "Israelis" to demolish al-Aqsa so that the Zionists may build Mound Temple on its dust."
The compound of al-Aqsa has been under repeated attacks of the short-sighted. In 1928, the "Israeli" settlers took control of the Western Wall. Here are some of the facts:
In 1967 in a show of "Israeli" superiority, Rabbi Shlomo Goren, entered al-Aqsa compound, sparking violence between Palestinian security personnel and "Israeli" guards.
In 1969 Al-Aqsa was attacked by an arsonist and set on fire. His name was Sirhan Bishira Sirhan. The entire south wing was burnt down. The man responsible walked free.
Members of the "Temple Mount Faithful" group - a group dedicated to demolishing the buildings within al-Aqsa compound - forcibly entered the mosque in 1970. Muslim worshippers who held them back, then became targets of "Israeli" fire.
"Israeli" courts, in 1976, passed a law permitting "Israelis" to pray in al-Aqsa Mosque. After a great deal of protest by Muslims, this was later revoked.
In parallel, Jewish extremists, in 1979, blocked one of the entrances to al-Aqsa compound before Friday prayers, pointing guns at worshippers who were trying to enter.
1980's harassment against worshippers escalated. In August 1981, an "Israeli" helicopter hovered at low altitude over al-Aqsa, preventing worshippers inside the mosque from hearing the sermon.
The Azan [Prayer Calls] was prohibited in 1981 from the minaret overlooking the Western Wall because of a Jewish celebration. Extensive tunnels dug under al-Aqsa compound were discovered, thereby weakening the foundations of the mosque.
A parcel with a fake bomb and having threats signed by the Jewish extremists was discovered at one of the gates in 1982. An ex-"Israeli" army officer opened fire within the sanctuary, killing two Muslims and filling the interior and exterior of the Dome of the Rock with bullet marks.
Similarly, an "Israeli" was arrested for trying to blow up al-Aqsa. He was subsequently released without any punishment. Other "Israeli" fundamentalists attempted to enter the al-Aqsa Sanctuary with leaflets inciting Jews to take over the compound.
In 1983, the Temple Mount Fund was established in "Israel", Europe and America to raise funds for re-building the Jewish Temple on the site of al-Aqsa Holy Mosque. Explosives were discovered at an entrance gate to the al-Aqsa Sanctuary and four armed "Israelis" attempted to enter the compound. Six months later, they were set free.
Zionist extremists, in 1984, attempted to climb the walls of al-Aqsa Sanctuary with ladders in the middle of the night, armed with ammunition. During this year, armed "Israeli" guards started patrolling outside the gates of al-Aqsa Sanctuary.
Moreover, "Israeli" troops, in 1988, stormed al-Aqsa Sanctuary, firing tear gas into groups of worshippers. Later, further tunnels were discovered thereby sparking more unrest.
"Israeli" troops, in 1990, opened fire on worshippers killing 22 and wounding hundreds more in a confrontation with unarmed Palestinians.
"Israel", in 1996, re-opened tunnels under the Aqsa Sanctuary, which resulted in widespread confrontations and the death of more than 70 Palestinians.
In 1997, Zionists attempted to lay a 4.5 ton rock within the precincts of al-Aqsa as a symbolic gesture of laying the foundation of their temple. They were forced back by Muslim custodians of the Holy site.
In 2000 former "Israeli" Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, stormed into al-Aqsa Sanctuary with a thousand strong ‘security' personnel. The troops attacked those trying to defend al-Aqsa, killing and maiming many innocent civilians.
Clashes permeated throughout the occupied territories and gave rise to the al-Aqsa Intifada.
Palestinians under the age of 45 - note it - are barred from praying at the Holy Sanctuary.
In addition, "Israeli" forces, in 2004, began attacking worshippers at the mosque during the Friday prayers, using live rounds, tear gas, sound bombs and grenades, to instill fear into worshippers.
"Israeli" MP Uri Ariel, in 2006, forced his way into the al-Aqsa compound at a time when Palestinians were denied access to it in a show of "Israeli" authority over the land.
Persistent tunneling beneath the mosque has led to a landslide near the western side, leaving a crater measuring two meters in length and 1.5 meters in width.
Excavations during 2010 have led to cracks as long as seven meters along the walls within al-Aqsa. "Israeli" forces entered the al-Aqsa after Friday prayers, firing rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades. Sixty worshippers were injured, among them a woman shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.
The excavations under the al-Aqsa Sanctuary are leading to dangerous cracks in the buildings adjoining the Western Wall. Archaeologists believe that the tunnels have weakened the structures of the buildings within the compound, so that even the slightest tremor could lead to a collapse of the Holy Mosque.
Incursions into the sacred al-Aqsa compound continue on a regular basis, and inevitably, Palestinians who attempt to protect the site continue to be injured in the process.
Source: Radiance, Edited by moqawama.org
