Israel Is Undermining the Status Quo at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque

For the first time in decades, Israel has barred Friday prayers at al-Aqsa. Palestinians accuse the government of using violence as a pretext to alter the status quo over the compound.

by Oscar Jarzmik

Palestinian waqf (endowment) officials responsible for running the day-to-day affairs at al-Haram al-Sharif (noble sanctuary) in East Jerusalem have continued to reject heightened security procedures imposed by Israeli authorities since Friday, July 14. Palestinians are also boycotting prayer at the compound, until the changes are revers…