Israel-UAE agreement allows Jews to pray in Al-Aqsa mosque

Terrestrial Jerusalem, an independent Israeli NGO, responsible for political changes and development in Jerusalem, has raised concern over the Israeli-UAE normalization agreement which provides legitimacy or Jewish worshippers to pray in the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa.

The agreement is said to have unprecedentedly changed the status quo of the holy site by limiting the Muslims right while placing Israelis at a great advantage, according to the reports by the NGO.

The report further stated that this is a systematic avoidance of any possibility for Jerusalem to become Palestine’s capital.

In a joint statement issued by US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, a mention was made of a specific clause which at first seemed to be in favor of the Muslims community.

“Muslims who come to Israel in peace have the right to pray in Al-Aqsa Mosque,” the statement reads.

Stating the right granted to worshippers of other religions especially Jews to pray at the noble sanctuary of Al-Aqsa, the clause also stated that “Other holy places remain open in Jerusalem for peaceful worshippers of other religions.”

Terrestrial Jerusalem further stated in its report that this would be the first time when the right of the Muslims would be reduced to only Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“For the first time the right of Muslims is reduced to Al-Aqsa Mosque only.”

The center has therefore expressed fear that the same incident that occurred in Hebron Mosque with prayer sections divided between Muslims and Jews, could also happen in Al-Aqsa with the new agreement between Israel and UAE.

With the division in Hebron Mosque, Jewish section is growing bigger than that of the Muslims who constitute a much larger population.

Speaking about the wording of the joint statement, the center in its report said that it was intentional. It therefore suggested that the words be removed to ensure clarity.

“It is not too late to insist that this wording be removed and that there be a renewed commitment, unambiguous in its clarity, by both Israel and the United States to the traditional interpretation of the status quo, and specifically regarding Jewish prayer on the Mount.”

Meanwhile, Israel-Jordan agreement following 1967 war, stated Jewish would not be allowed to worship in the holy site but could only visit the compound.