Al-Aqsa Mosque Incident
Thousands of worshippers assembled for dawn prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities reported that some worshippers began chanting slogans and setting off fireworks near police officers. This led to Israeli police using tear gas to disperse the worshippers at the Mosque compound.
The detainment of 16 Palestinians outside the compound was detailed in the Israeli police statement. The Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a frequent flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestinian worshippers have alleged limited access to Al-Aqsa since the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7th. The compound, located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, is known as the third holiest shrine to Muslims and as Temple Mount to Jews.
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike on April 2 resulted in the death of seven aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen in Gaza. This incident prompted calls for explanations from the US and other allies, leading to widespread condemnation.
Israel’s military expressed “sincere sorrow” over the airstrike, intensifying international pressure to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza after nearly six months of siege and invasion.
The victims of the airstrike included citizens of Australia, Britain, Poland, Palestinians, and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
Increasing Israeli Isolation
Australia, Britain, and Poland, traditionally friendly towards Israel, demanded action to protect aid workers, highlighting Netanyahu’s growing diplomatic isolation over the Gaza situation.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, at least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen staffers were described by a UN spokesperson as “the inevitable result of the way this war is currently being conducted”.
International pressure on Israel to address severe hunger in Gaza has been mounting, as the region has suffered significant destruction and displacement due to the offensive against Hamas.