The United Nations rapporteur condemns the attacks on the Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque

Today, Thursday, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 condemned the violent incursions led by Israeli forces into the occupied Palestinian territories. Al-Haram Al-Sharif Complex (or mosque square) and attacks on Palestinian worshipers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“While Palestinian Muslims gathered to perform Ramadan prayers to exercise their right to worship in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque,” the Israeli authorities said. Blatant and unjustified use of force against themFrancesca Albanese said.

The expert estimated at least 31 the number of wounded Palestinians inside and outside the compound, as it is assumed that paramedics were prevented from entering to treat and assist the wounded medically.

According to the first accounts of the events, the occupation forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque by force, used stun grenades and tear gas, fired non-lethal bullets, and indiscriminately beat Muslim worshipers, including old men and women, with batons and butts. their guns.

Deep concern among the Palestinians

At least the raid ended 450 men were captured, some of whom were kicked and slapped By the soldiers who escorted them out of the Haram al-Sharif in handcuffs.

The Special Rapporteur denounced the “reckless and illegal” action of the Israeli forces, who reportedly allowed some 165 Israeli Jews to enter the compound, in violation of the status quo agreement, which Israel is obligated to respect.

He said, “The well-known desire of Israeli settlers to demolish the mosque or convert the compound, in whole or in part, into a synagogue, as happened with the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, causes concern to the Palestinians.”

Some of the violence Albanese described as “similar” to those that occurred during the holy month of Ramadan in 2021 and 2022.

violation of international rights

“These actions have led us into a spiral of rocket fire into Israel and rockets into Gaza, endangering civilians on both sides of the Green Line. I am disturbed by the escalation of violence“Especially because of the great devastation it will inflict on the Palestinians of Gaza, who have been trapped in an insurmountable blockade since 2007,” he added.

Albanese stressed that Israel “for years has not stopped its violent attacks against Palestinian worshipers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, in violation of international law,” and called on the international community to Redouble its efforts to hold the occupying power accountable For their unacceptable behavior in the occupied territories before the situation got out of control.

“It is imperative that all parties, without exception, comply with international law,” he said. “Your breach It nurtures and perpetuates a culture of injustice and impunity“.

Places of worship should be used for religious practices only

A few hours earlier, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wiensland, had expressed his dismay at the images of violence inside the Al-Qibli Mosque, which is part of the Al-Qibli General Al-Aqsa complex.

I am concerned about the apparent beating of Palestinians by the Israeli security forces and the large number of arrests. I also strongly reject the storage and use of fireworks and stones by Palestinians inside the mosque.”

Wensland noted the need to use places of worship for a “safe and peaceful” religious practice, especially when nearly 600,000 people have visited the holy sites in Jerusalem since the beginning of Ramadan.

The coordinator called on all political, religious and community leaders to Rejection of provocations, inflammatory rhetoric, provocative actions And, like Albanese, to maintain the current status quo in the mosque square

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name for the Council’s independent investigation and oversight mechanisms that address specific country situations or thematic issues around the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; They are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organization and provide their services in their personal capacity.