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Church grim year walk7/2/2023 The Palestinians view the frequent visits and attempted prayers by Jews as a provocation, and it often ignites scuffles or more serious violence. In recent years, groups of religious and nationalist Jews escorted by police have been visiting the compound in greater numbers and holding prayers in defiance of the longstanding rules. Israel bars the ancient practice, but Jewish extremists have called for it to be revived, offering cash rewards to those who try to do so. The Palestinians also say they are seeking to prevent religious Jews from carrying out ritual animal slaughter at the site. In recent days, Palestinians have barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque with stones and firecrackers, demanding the right to pray there overnight, something Israel has in the past only allowed during the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. But the country is currently governed by the most right-wing government in its history, with religious ultranationalists in senior positions. Israeli officials say they have no intention of changing the status quo that has prevailed at the site since 1967. The Palestinians view the holy site as the last remnant of their homeland that is not under full Israeli control, and they fear that Israel plans to one day take over the site or partition it. WHAT'S BEHIND THE VIOLENCE AT THE JERUSALEM HOLY SITE? The Western Wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray. Israel, Jordan and Muslim religious authorities helped set the rules, known as the status quo. That's according to informal rules established after the 1967 Mideast war in which Israel captured east Jerusalem where the shrine is located, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The site is open to tourists during certain times but only Muslims are allowed to pray there. ![]() Neighboring Jordan serves as the custodian of the site, which is operated by an Islamic endowment known as the Waqf. The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 A.D., with only the Western Wall remaining. It is also the holiest site for Jews because it was the location of biblical temples. The Noble Sanctuary, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the iconic golden Dome of the Rock, is the third holiest site in Islam. WHY IS THE JERUSALEM HOLY SITE SACRED TO MUSLIMS AND JEWS?
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