Al Aqsa Mosque: A new controversy has emerged regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. According to the report of Middle East Eye, America and Israel are reportedly working on a new proposal under which Jordan will be stripped of the role of historical custodian of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
The report claims that through this new arrangement an effort is being made to bring the management of the mosque complex closer to Israeli interests. According to the report, this plan has the support of former US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
What is Israel’s plan?
It has been told that under the proposal, the existing management of Jordan-backed Islamic Waqf can be abolished and a new body can be formed, which will declare Al-Aqsa Mosque as a “multi-faith centre”.
What will change at Al Aqsa?
The report claims that under this new arrangement, Jews will be given “equal access” to the Al-Aqsa compound and Jewish prayer in large groups may be formally permitted. Directly after this decision, people of the Jewish community will be able to easily come to Al-Aqsa campus and pray. At present only Muslims are allowed to enter this complex.
Israel will decide which Imam?
Apart from this, Israel’s role is also expected to increase in the appointment of Imam, preacher and senior officials in the mosque. That means the Israeli government will decide who will offer namaz in the mosque and who will hold top positions in the committee of the mosque.
Less Muslim identity, and more tourist place?
Middle East Eye has reported in its report that some American officials say that Washington has also prepared a draft paper regarding the future of Al-Aqsa Mosque. It reportedly talks about reducing the Muslim identity of Al-Aqsa and developing it into a major tourist destination, where all three Abrahamic religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism are present.
How will Al Aqsa be monitored?
According to the report, this proposal also talks about giving some Arab countries the role of “rotational oversight”. It is reported that Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco and United Arab Emirates (UAE) were informed about this American proposal.
Why is Saudi Arabia against this proposal?
However, the report also said that Saudi Arabia is against this proposal. According to sources in the Gulf countries, Riyadh believes that if Jordan’s protector role is ended, it may increase tension in the entire region.
Why is Jordan’s role important?
Jordan’s custodian role over the Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered extremely important for the Hashemite monarchy. The Jordanian royal family has been the guardian of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian religious sites since 1924. Later, this special role was also recognized in the peace agreement between Israel and Jordan in 1994.
Under the arrangement made after the 1967 war, the internal affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque are managed by Islamic Waqf, while control of external security rests with Israel. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the premises during limited hours, but prayers are not allowed there.
What allegations have been made against Israel?
Jordanian and Palestinian officials have long alleged that Israel is slowly trying to change this old “status quo”. There has been ongoing controversy over Israeli police actions at the mosque complex, increased visits by Jewish nationalist groups, and demands for Jewish prayers there. Waqf officials have also alleged that Israel not only imposed restrictions on Palestinian worshipers but also created problems in the maintenance and repair work of the mosque.
What did Waqf say about taking care of Jordan?
Mustafa Abu Sway, deputy head of the Waqf Council, said the Hashemite guardianship system is the cornerstone of regional stability. He said the Palestinians see it as a “lifeline” and Jordan has always supported the historic arrangement in international forums.
Why did the Palestinian Authority protest?
The Jerusalem Governorate of the Palestinian Authority has also opposed this proposal. He said that this plan is an attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty on Al-Aqsa Mosque and change the decades-old religious system.
The governorate said in a statement that Jordan’s custodial role is an internationally recognized historical, legal and political system that protects the Arab and Islamic identity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
What did America say?
After the Middle East Eye report was published, a US official called the news “completely false”. The official said the White House is not actively working to strip Jordan of his guardian ad litem role.
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