Israeli security forces remove a Palestinian Muslim woman sitting on the grounds of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem during Ramadan yesterday. (AFP)
The South African Government has slammed the “Israeli occupation forces” assault on the Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
A Palestinian journalist based in Gaza told The Citizen that at least seven worshippers sustained injuries during the attacks and 400 Palestinians were arrested.
The raid took place before dawn on Wednesday, with Israeli police claiming they had entered to dislodge “agitators”, a move denounced as an “unprecedented crime” by the Palestinian movement Hamas.
The fresh violence comes nearly halfway through Ramadan and as Jews prepare to celebrate Passover from Wednesday evening.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has called for calm and the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“The use of stun grenades and tear gas on worshippers is unjust. These actions threaten the internationally agreed status quo in relation to Jerusalem and its sacred sites.
“The Palestinian Muslim worshippers have a right to practice their religion in peace, without fear or intimidation of the Israeli police. Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs to all Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims, and they do not require permission or approval from the Israeli government to enter or pray in the Mosque,” spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.
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Monyela said the actions undermine all peace efforts and may lead to an “explosion in the region”.
“The year 2022 has been described as the deadliest year for Palestinians since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in 2005. More than 200 Palestinians were killed during the Israeli attacks last year.
“Israel as the occupying power has specific obligations in terms of the International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to Trotect Palestinians. However, the Israeli government continues to breach these obligations with no accountability,” he said.
Monyela said government remains “unequivocally committed to and values efforts aimed at reviving a political process leading to ending the occupation so that the human rights of all are secured”.
“The Apartheid State of Israel relentlessly flaunts its gross human rights violations against Palestinians with impunity. We call on all governments, particularly African to immediately suspend all trade with the Apartheid State of Israel.”
“Further, Palestinians must be supported to fight back against the vileness and land thievery of the Israeli government,” red berets said.
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