Jewish Settlers Threaten to Storm into Aqsa Mosque Sunday

Israeli policemen beat AFP photographer Ahmad Gharabli while covering clashes between worshipers and security forces in Al-Aqsa Mosque (AFP)
Israeli policemen beat AFP photographer Ahmad Gharabli while covering clashes between worshipers and security forces in Al-Aqsa Mosque (AFP)
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Jewish Settlers Threaten to Storm into Aqsa Mosque Sunday

Israeli policemen beat AFP photographer Ahmad Gharabli while covering clashes between worshipers and security forces in Al-Aqsa Mosque (AFP)
Israeli policemen beat AFP photographer Ahmad Gharabli while covering clashes between worshipers and security forces in Al-Aqsa Mosque (AFP)

Activists in Jerusalem called upon Palestinians to gather in the al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday and protect it from the expected storming of extremist settlers.

A number of officials and authorities have also joined the calls, asking for protecting the Mosque from any possible incursions.

A group of Jewish extremists has reportedly called for the massive storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday.

"On Sunday morning at 7:00, we will know if we have lost the war," said Assaf Farid, spokesman for the Federation of Temple Organizations.

Israel prevented Jewish extremists from storming into the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan month, after their incursions and attempts to expel Palestinians from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood sparked unprecedented violent clashes between Arabs and Jews.

Israel closed the al-Maghariba Gate several days before the most widespread confrontations erupted on May 10, leading to war inside and around al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli police used bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades against unarmed Palestinians who were defending the mosque from Jewish extremists.

Clashes also erupted in the streets and alleys of Jerusalem, which witnessed another kind of war with the police, special forces, and settlers.

Israel prevented settlers from entering the mosque following the violent clashes, but they gathered in the streets, before Hamas launched its missiles from Gaza towards Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the 11-day war.

Tensions continued in Jerusalem, despite the end of the war in Gaza, as the Israeli forces arrested six citizens from the Old City and near al-Aqsa.

The Palestinian Society Prisoner's Club said that the Israeli forces arrested over 50 citizens from West Bank since Saturday dawn.



Masoud Barzani Mobilizes to Seal Baghdad-Erbil Rift


File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
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Masoud Barzani Mobilizes to Seal Baghdad-Erbil Rift


File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)
File photo shows Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani with Masoud Barzani (left) and Nechirvan Barzani (AFP)

Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan Region, had been escalating due to political and legal disputes, notably the Federal Supreme Court’s February decision to nullify minority quotas. However, since the Court reversed its ruling in May, relations have remarkably improved, marking a new era of calm and cooperation.

This positive turn follows strained ties exacerbated by Kurdistan’s 2017 independence referendum.

Masoud Barzani, influential leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), is set to visit Baghdad—the first in six years—to engage in talks and negotiations aimed at resolving long standing issues.

According to Kurdish sources, Barzani is scheduled to arrive Wednesday for discussions aimed at finalizing solutions to ongoing disputes, including financial allocations, employee salaries, oil and gas legislation, electoral issues, and governance challenges in Kirkuk, where local elections have yet to form a government six months after voting.

Barzani’s agenda in Baghdad is expected to include discussions on Sinjar, recent Turkish military actions in Dohuk province and other Kurdish areas, and potential threats from armed groups targeting Erbil.

A Kurdistan Regional Government delegation arrived in Baghdad on Monday to prepare for Barzani’s visit and discussions. The delegation includes Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed, Finance and Economy Minister Awat Sheikh Janab, and the Director General of Customs and Border Crossings.

As Barzani prepares for his visit, Erbil is swiftly strengthening ties with Iraq’s judiciary, especially the Federal Supreme Court.

Relations had soured in recent years due to what the Kurdish region criticized as biased rulings.

Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani’s support for Chief Justice Fayeq Zidan is a key development amidst reports of potential US sanctions linked to Iranian interests targeting Iraqi leaders, including Zidan.