Arabic version: إعادة فتح المواقع المقدسة مع تغير المشهد في شرق القدس بسبب وقف إطلاق النار
The announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has led to the reopening of holy sites to worshippers in occupied East Jerusalem and the removal of a number of movement barriers in the occupied West Bank. On April 9, more than 100,000 Muslim worshippers streamed into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the first Friday prayers since before the war started on February 28. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, shuttered throughout Holy Week, also reopened in time for Holy Fire Saturday – held the day before Easter is celebrated by Orthodox denominations. However, the atmosphere was marred by a heavy Israeli security presence, which resulted in police violently arresting Palestinian Christian scouts during the processions.
Even the April 9 reopening of Al-Aqsa after 40 days of closure was tempered by growing settler incursions. On April 7 and April 12, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, stormed the compound under police protection, performing Jewish religious rituals and declaring, “today, you feel like the master of the house here.” His actions have drawn condemnation from Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which views them as violations of the site’s status quo.
In Gaza, violence continues despite the ceasefire. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in numerous casualties, including the killing of journalist Mohammed Wishah on April 8 and a nine-year-old girl, Ritaj Rihan, on April 9. Reports indicate that since October 7, 2023, the cumulative official death toll stands at 72,333, with 754 fatalities recorded since the ceasefire began. The humanitarian situation is dire, with severe fuel shortages impacting medical facilities and essential services.
In the West Bank, Israeli authorities have approved 34 new settlements, significantly escalating land seizures. The Palestinian Authority has denounced these actions as violations of international law, while Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has celebrated the expansion of settlements near Ramallah. This move comes amid concerns over rising settler violence, which Israeli security officials have characterized as a crisis, with calls for urgent action from former security chiefs.
The ongoing conflict and settlement expansion highlight the complexities of the situation in the region, with diplomatic efforts continuing amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crises.
According to Al Jazeera, the situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the challenges posed by the ceasefire and ongoing tensions.
