Rabat – Before the end of the first day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli security forces stormed the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem after Friday prayers. Video footage shows stun grenades exploding in crowds of Palestinians outside the mosque.
Crowds of Palestinians brandishing their country’s flags formed after Friday prayers to celebrate the ceasefire agreement. After the strong Israeli security force response, witnesses said that worshippers sought sanctuary within the mosque but were met by more Israeli forces within the walls.
Following the ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas declared victory after weeks of clashes and exchange of fire and rockets.
On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden told Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the US expected a “significant de-escalation.” Egypt brokered the ceasefire agreement on Thursday evening and many saw it as a sign of hope for new beginnings between both sides.
Israel used excessive force throughout the duration of the 11-day exchange of fire. At the time of the ceasefire, Israel had killed 243 Palestinians, 66 of them being children. As for Israeli casualties, reports indicate Hamas rocket fire killed 12, including 2 children.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian territory said that over 90,000 people in Gaza have been displaced during the past 11 days due to Israeli bombardment.
The World Health Organization noted 8,538 Palestinians were injured in the oppressive bombing campaign and 30 healthcare sites were damaged while one was fully destroyed by shelling. The UN stated, “Gaza has significant trauma needs.”
Morocco has sent multiple humanitarian aid shipments to aid Palestinians in the recovery process.
Hamas has yet to respond to the recent incident at Al Aqsa mosque but it is likely the violence will begin again as the group has a track record of responding to aggression with aggression.
