For over 14 centuries a status quo has been maintained according to which the Al-Aqsa compound is acknowledged as an Islamic Waqf reserved for Muslim prayers. The holy site has however witnessed numerous political crises and violent clashes throughout the years, with many external attempts to subjugate and even destroy buildings at the site.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel, and the subsequent Israeli Occupation of Jerusalem, the mosque’s sanctity and safety have been increasingly imperiled. In 1969, an Australian Christian Zionist, Dennis Rohan, even set Al-Aqsa (Al-Qibli) Mosque on fire, completely destroying large parts of it, including its Ayoubi-era pulpit.
Historically the entire holy compound is a Muslim Waqf and Jewish law prohibits Jews from entering it, but “visits” by Jewish extremists under armed Israeli guard (while Palestinians are denied access) have escalated over the last decade and undeniably added a religious dimension to what seemed a predominantly political conflict. In recent years, particularly since 2014, the status quo at the Al-Aqsa compound appears to be eroding under attempts by the Israeli establishment and Jewish forces determined to strengthen their hold over the holy compound at the expense of Muslim rights.
Masjid al Aqsa today remains under the administration of the Jordanian/Palestinian-led Islamic Waqf. However, by consequence of the illegal Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the mosque currently also finds itself under Israeli subjugation with entrance to the site and its visitation and maintenance regulated by Israeli policemen.
This section chronicles the steady escalation of assaults on Masjid al Aqsa, and explains why for many Palestinians Masjid al Aqsa is considered to be in grave danger.