The Jerusalem Governorate warned of rapidly escalating security and political tensions in the city as Jewish holidays approach, during which religious rituals intensify around Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to Governorate advisor, Ma’rouf Al-Rifa’i.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Rifa’i told Al-Mamlaka that October is expected to witness a marked rise in clashes between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces, particularly with the ongoing settler raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque. This situation could trigger widespread confrontations and further destabilize security in the city.
He added that the Israeli government may seek to impose a new reality in East Jerusalem and the areas surrounding Al-Aqsa through intensified settlement activities, which could drastically alter the status quo and heighten tensions with Palestinians.
Al-Rifa’i noted that the Jewish holidays coincide with accelerated settlement expansion and continuous attacks on Jerusalemites, especially in the Old City and near Al-Aqsa Mosque. He predicted that Israeli authorities would reinforce security measures in these areas in the coming days, particularly where settler religious rituals take place, and that the frequency of settler raids is likely to increase during this period, exacerbating tension and conflict in the city.
“Rituals associated with some Jewish holidays, such as the construction of sukkot during the Feast of Tabernacles, lead to an increased settler presence in East Jerusalem,” he explained, placing additional pressure on Palestinian residents.
Al-Rifa’i also expected continued implementation of checkpoints and movement restrictions that impede Jerusalemites’ access to their daily lives and places of worship, noting that Palestinians under 50 years old are often barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque—a policy likely to intensify during the holidays.
He warned that settler organizations, backed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, continue to carry out Judaization projects near Al-Aqsa, including constructing new settlements, expanding existing ones, and conducting excavations beneath the mosque.
International Role: Condemnation Without Impact
Al-Rifa’i observed that despite ongoing escalation, effective international intervention to halt Israeli policies in Jerusalem is unlikely. “International condemnation may be issued in the coming days,” he said, “but it is unlikely to significantly alter the occupation’s reality.”
He stressed that Jerusalem remains on the brink of an explosion at any moment amid continued attacks and restrictions, and that Palestinians face major challenges in defending their identity and culture against ongoing settlement projects and increased raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
