The recent brutality against Palestinians in East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities is deeply concerning and violates the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian population, particularly during Ramadan.
Imagine if Jews worshipping in a synagogue anywhere in the world were attacked in the manner the Palestinians were attacked in al Aqsa Mosque. There would be international outrage.
Yet, hundreds of Palestinian worshippers are clobbered with batons, hit with rifle butts and tear gassed inside their holy sanctuary and there is no decisive measures against the behavior except condemnation.
If the US and any other western regimes were serious about concern for human rights and life, they would not only have condemned the actions but also impose sanctions on them.
That, however, will not happen because Israel is one of them: A colonial settler entity that has illegally occupied Palestine.
What happened in al Aqsa was a premeditated and orchestrated attack after the mobilization of occupation forces to suppress the defenseless worshippers.
While the Zionists have long eyed taking full control of the holy sanctuary, the Palestinians’ steadfast resistance has prevented them from achieving their nefarious agenda.
In June last year, reports emerged that the Israeli government had started the process of registering the ownership of land adjacent to al Aqsa Mosque, which risks enabling a takeover that has severe far-reaching implications.
The Israeli government bears the responsibility for the escalation in Jerusalem and the occupied territories, if it does not stop storming al Aqsa Mosque and restricting worshippers.
The mosque in Jerusalem is the third holiest site for Muslims. Its sanctity is so important in Islam that it is in fact mentioned by name in the Quran. Al Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, a seventh-century structure is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
It is an obligation of every Muslim regardless of where he/she may reside to help liberate Masjid al Aqsa and Palestine.
In this month of fasting, Muslims organize Quds day rallies to highlight the continued illegal occupation of al Masjid al Aqsa.
In 1979, Imam Khomeini declared the last Friday of Ramadan as Quds Day and called upon Muslims worldwide to hold rallies.
Today Quds Day rallies have become a global phenomenon. These rallies have become an important component of the Muslims’ struggle in the holy month of Ramadan for truth and justice in a world dominated by oppression and illegality.
All justice seekers worldwide should join the annual Quds Day rallies and express their abhorrence of Israeli crimes and the silence of the so-called international community.
John Oduor
Nairobi
