Why is Mesquita in Jerusalem a focus of conflict?

Historical significance for Muslims. The researcher recalls that the mosque is associated with the “night trip and ascension that the Prophet Muhammad made” and that, in a historical period, “she was the first direction of prayer of the Muslims.”

Religious status and administration

Agreement signed after the occupation of 1967. According to Ana Karolina, “after the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel was responsible for policing the site, but was agreed that Muslims would have worship and priority access.”

Administration by Jordan. “This region today is administered by Jordan, as are all the sacred territories of Muslims in this region,” he says.

Allowed visitation, restricted prayer. “Non-Muslims can visit the mosque, but only Muslims have the guaranteed freedom of conducting prayers in this region.”

The status quo of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is an informal agreement that establishes that Jordan manages the mosque internal affairs, and Israel controls external security. It also establishes that non-Muslims can visit the site, but cannot pray. This agreement was established after 1967, when Israel occupied East Jerusalem, including where the mosque is.
Ana Karolina Morais, PhD student in International Relations from IRI-USP and researcher at NUPRI/USP.