World

Muslim cleric: Protest to go on despite Israeli concession

July 27, 2017
A picture shows a main entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem after Israeli security forces removed metal detectors from the site. — AFP
A picture shows a main entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem after Israeli security forces removed metal detectors from the site. — AFP

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — A senior Muslim official in occupied Jerusalem said Wednesday that worshipers would not return to Al-Aqsa Mosque until Israel removes the new railings and cameras it installed after a deadly attack there, prolonging a crisis that Israel hoped it had resolved by making concessions at the site.

Ikrema Sabri, head of the Supreme Islamic Committee, said that even after Israel removed metal detectors from the site more steps were required to restore calm. He said mass prayer protests would continue until the gates of the compound were opened, metal railings and an iron bridge removed and newly installed cameras taken down. He said a lawyer working on behalf of the Muslim administration of the holy site would be in touch with Israeli police about it.

"We will not enter the mosque until these things are implemented," he told The Associated Press. "Now we are awaiting the response of the police."

The demands set off the prospect of a renewed showdown ahead of Friday prayers at the site, when a large number of worshipers arrive for the centerpiece of the Muslim prayer week.

Israel installed the new security measures earlier this month after Arab gunmen shot and killed two police officers from within the site. It said they were a natural response to the violence and necessary to prevent further attacks, while Palestinians claimed Israel was trying to expand its control over the site. The issue sparked some of the worst street clashes in years and threatened to draw Israel into conflict with other Arab and Muslim nations.

Under intense pressure, Israel removed the metal detectors and said it planned to install sophisticated security cameras instead.

But Palestinian politicians and Muslim clerics say that isn't enough and are demanding Israel restore the situation at the shrine in Jerusalem's Old City to what it was before the July 14 deadly attack.

The latest development could put Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tough spot, as he tries to tamp out a wave of unrest that has triggered international pressure while not appearing to his hard-line base as capitulating.

His government has faced a growing backlash at home for what critics said was hasty decision-making and embarrassing policy reversals. Even Israel Hayom, a free daily owned by Netanyahu's billionaire patron Sheldon Adelson, denounced Israel's response to the crisis as "feeble and frightened."

In an unprecedented headline, the paper — which has been an unequivocal source of support for the prime minister — led with "Netanyahu's demonstration of helplessness."

In a face-saving compromise, and after Netanyahu spoke to Jordan's King Abdullah and others, Israel's security Cabinet announced Monday that in place of the metal detectors it would employ nonintrusive "advanced technologies," reportedly smart cameras that can detect hidden objects. The new security system is said to be set up in the next six months at a cost of $28 million.

Netanyahu appeared to be doubling back again Wednesday when he instructed police forces to conduct thorough inspections at the site.

Israel has also found itself in a new scuffle with Turkey, whose leader President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been among its fiercest critics. On Tuesday, Erdogan accused Israel of using security measures as a pretext to take over holy sites in Jerusalem.

Israel's foreign ministry responded by calling the comments "delusional, baseless and distorted."

"The days of the Ottoman Empire are over," it said. "He who lives in a palace of glass would be better off not throwing stones."

Netanyahu's office also chimed in, saying it wondered what Erdogan would have to say to Kurds and residents of north Cyprus. "Erdogan is the last one who can preach to Israel," it said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Turkey's foreign ministry called the Israeli statements "arrogant." — AP


July 27, 2017
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