July 18, 2017 -- Day Three of Muslim Protest

Palestinian praying outside of Temple Mount in protest of new metal detectors (Photo: AFP)

For the third day, Muslims refused to enter through the new Israeli security measures to go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray.  Instead, around 200 gathered near the Lions Gate for noon prayer.  Israeli officials installed the new measures following the attack on the Temple Mount last Friday.  Palestinians claim that Israel is violating the Status Quo, using the opportunity to exercising sovereignty over the Temple Mount.  Israel argues that the measures were installed for protection after three Israeli-Arabs opened fire from the Temple Mount killing two Israeli police officers; they themselves were killed by Israeli police.

It is time to take a long hard look at what is actually happening around the Temple Mount, however, it is difficult to separate fact from fancy.  A number of questions arise.  The one fact that remains certain is five individuals were killed last Friday on the Temple Mount.  How did the Arab-Israelis obtain weapons to carry out their attack?  What was their intent?  Why did they carry it out on a Friday day of prayer?  Another fact remains certain is that Israel responded with security measures.   What was their intention?  In the minds and imaginations of some of the Palestinians, this action is rejected for seemingly valid reasons.  However, is this fact or fancy?  Fatah has called for a “day of rage” in response to the newly installed metal detectors.  Also, this coming Friday is another day of prayer.  What will happen when the Palestinians gather to pray?

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