APA-Pretoria (South Africa) South Africa has slammed this week’s assault on Palestinian worshippers by Israeli security forces, warning Friday that the continued attacks threatened international efforts to mend bridges between Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
Israeli security forces attacked dozens of worshipers in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound before dawn on Wednesday, wounding seven Palestinians and arresting over 400 others.
The Israelis claimed they were responding to nine rockets that were fired from Gaza towards Israel.
The incident sparked protests across the occupied West Bank.
South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation condemned the violent acts by the Israeli government against the worshippers and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the 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 ministry said in a statement.
It said Palestinian Muslim worshippers have a right to practice their religion in peace, without fear or intimidation of the Israeli police “and they do not require permission or approval from the Israeli government to enter or pray in the mosque.”
“These actions undermine all peace efforts and may lead to an explosion in the region,” it warned
The year 2022 has been described as the deadliest year for Palestinians since the United Nations started tracking fatalities in 2005, with more than 200 Palestinians killed by Israelis during the year.
Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem has surged over the past year and there is concern that tensions could escalate this month, as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coincides with Judaism’s Passover and Christian Easter.
JN/APA