Israel has flamed another crisis by reopening a synagogue close to Masjid al-Aqsa as part of efforts to turn East al-Quds into a Jewish quarter. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces have escalated in the past few days. Israeli troops have been patrolling areas surrounding Masjid al-Aqsa and they deny Muslims under 50 access to the mosque. 

The main reason behind tight security measures is the opening ceremony of an ancient synagogue. Talking to a crowd gathered for the opening, a rabbi said the opening of the synagogue would be the key to the building of Solomon’s Temple.   

Masjid al-Aqsa has been under attack for months but the target of this latest round of attacks is al-Quds Muslims.  

Tuesday is critical day for al-Aqsa

The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation representative for al-Quds and the IHH bureau in Gaza are closely following developments. The representative said the movement of Palestinians between the West Bank and al-Quds had been stopped for 48 hours and added “I reckon the ban on movement will not be for 48 but extended at least until Wednesday. All preparations are being done for Tuesday. The significance of this Tuesday dates back to the dream of a Jew several centuries ago. According to the dream, a synagogue will be opened in al-Quds and the foundation of the third Solomon’s Temple will be laid the following day. Jews consider the opening of the synagogue as the start of the third Solomon’s Temple. It is not the opening but possible foundation laying ceremony afterwards that has escalated tension.”