In Jerusalem, this Friday, March 8, was the last big prayer on the Esplanade des Mosques, before the start of Ramadan. The Israelis, who control access to the al-Aqsa mosque, had announced the lifting of certain restrictions. But in reality, many young people have been pushed back, which raises fears of additional tensions, while the war in Gaza continues.
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With our special correspondent in Jerusalem, Muriel Paradon
Lions Gate, very close to the Esplanade des Mosques. It is here, outside the walls of the old town, that several dozen young people Palestinians came to pray. The police Israeli prevented them from accessing the al-Aqsa mosque, like Abdelrahman Chwaiky, 34 years old.
“ I am one of the people who prayed here. The police prohibited me from entering the esplanade. I tried through several accesses. Here at Lions Gate, they tried to provoke me with their words and they pushed me away. They are trying to create tension with young people to show people and the media that we are terrorists, and to close the doors of al-Aqsa during Ramadan “, he explains.
The worry grows
Most of the Palestinians who had access to the Mosque Esplanade this Friday are elderly people. Sami Abu Farha, 58, lives in the old city. He came to pray, thinking of the fate of the Gazans. “ It’s normal for people to come to the mosque thinking about what’s happening in Gaza. It’s automatic, we have to “, he affirms, before adding: “ I don’t think there will be a truce anytime soon. If the Israelis kept their word, yes, but they always lie. »
Between the rise in tensions around the mosque esplanade and the uncertainties over the fate of Gazans, concern is growing as Ramadan approaches, the holy month of fasting for Muslims.