2023 Al-Aqsa clashes

The clashes occurred during a period of increased Israeli–Palestinian tensions due to the convergence of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover and the Christian Easter Week.[3]

The escalation of violence at Al-Aqsa came four days after an unarmed Israeli Arab man was shot dead by Israeli policy in Jerusalem's Old City just outside of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli police said that the man had attempted to seize a police weapon, while witnesses stated that the man had attempted to intervene in a confrontation between police officers and a woman.[4]

On 3 April, at least one Jewish activist was detained ahead of Passover in an attempt to head off attempts by Jewish religious groups to contravene the ban on prayers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and perform a sacrifice for Passover.[5] The same day, the National Security Minister Ben-Gvir advocated for Jewish groups to go to Al-Aqsa during on Passover, but to refrain from animal sacrifice.[6]

The clashes were triggered by the presence of Jewish worshippers who planned to sacrifice a goat on the site for Passover to resurrect a biblical tradition, which coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Christian Holy Week.[1]

Multiple Palestinians were injured in the ensuing clashes, with 400 being arrested by Israel Police within the Al-Aqsa compound. The events have heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and have drawn international attention to the ongoing conflict in the region.[2]

Palestinian groups condemned the attacks, which they described as a crime. Israeli authorities defended their actions, saying they were necessary to maintain public order and safety.[7]

• Lead spokesperson for the external affairs of the European Union Peter Stano said that the EU is "deeply concerned" by the violence at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and calls on all parties to show restraint at a time of religious holidays.[8]
• Leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu condemned the attack.[9]
• Emir of Kuwait Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah condemned Israeli aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque.
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern and called for a de-escalation of violence.[10]

• In a statement by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, "strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli police".[11]
• The Foreign Ministry of Oman issued a statement denouncing and condemning the Israeli occupation forces' storming Al Aqsa Mosque.[12]

Furthermore, the actions of the Israeli Police have been condemned by the ministries of foreign affairs of Qatar,[13] Turkey,[14] Jordan,[15] Saudi Arabia,[16] Bahrain,[17] Iran,[18] Morocco,[19] Algeria,[20] Pakistan,[21] and Afghanistan.[22]

Following the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that nine rockets were fired from Gaza Strip toward Israel.[2]

On 6 April, the IDF stated that some rockets were fired from Lebanon.[23] The rockets were reportedly fired by Palestinian factions.[23] There was no immediate comment from Lebanon's army.[23] In a written statement, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the situation as "extremely serious" and urged restraint. It said UNIFIL chief Aroldo Lazaro was in contact with authorities on both sides.[24]