The scene has become familiar by now. Heavily armed Israeli soldiers stationed around Al-Aqsa Mosque, confronting throngs of young Palestinians. Tear gas is fired and stones fly in the air, and conflicting reports are issued over the number of casualties. In the latest round of clashes, which escalated on 27 September, the first day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, tensions were running high. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli police entered Al-Aqsa Mosque compound shortly before 7am on 28 September and fired stun grenades at Palestinian protestors who had spent the night in the mosque. More than 20 people were injured in the clashes that followed. This wasn't the first time that Israeli forces have entered Al-Aqsa Mosque in utter violation of religious and international norms. Palestinians say that the Israelis are trying to change the status of the mosque, or even demolish it, to restore the ancient Temple Mount, presumably dating to Solomon's times. This time, the Israelis acted with more impunity than usual, knowing that divided and war-torn Arab and Muslim countries cannot possibly offer a credible challenge to their aggression. The disintegration of the Arab region offered Israel a chance, and it took it. Israel wants to erase the Muslim and Arab identity of Jerusalem, alter the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and generally grab what it can from the wreckage of the peace process that it made sure would remain deadlocked. The coalition of extremists and religious fanatics that form the bulk of the Israeli government are determined to grab what they can of Palestinian land, and let the chips fall where they may. This is the sum total of Israeli policies to this day, and there is no sign that these policies are going to change anytime soon. The time, Israeli statesmen have decided, is right to offend Palestinians and teach Muslims a lesson. With the world neck deep in the Syrian refugee crisis and the Islamic State scourge, and with mayhem taking its toll on most Arab countries, the scene is set for Israel to have another go at illegal acquisition. Al-Aqsa Mosque is just the thin edge of the wedge that is ripping through Palestinian land. Israel's actions at the mosque are an example of its well-established policies of brinkmanship. First it provokes, then it drives its opponents to despair, then it reverses the rules of the game and offers the Palestinians an even smaller share of their rights than ever before. Instead of sitting with the Palestinians to discuss withdrawal to the 1967 borders within a two-state solution that could end the bloodshed, not only in Palestine but also in other parts of the world, Israel went on the offensive. Its leaders no longer speak of peace or settlement. Its soldiers walked into the third holiest site in Islam with their boots on, firing with intent. With no one to fear, Israel has no qualms pushing the evil envelope of expansion, acquisition, denial of Palestinian rights and defilement of Muslim sanctities. It is time the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took a stand on Israel. Denunciations are no longer adequate. Firm action is needed, not only to stop Israel from assaulting Al-Aqsa Mosque, but also to reverse its occupation of East Jerusalem and to end its increasing restrictions on Jerusalem's Arab inhabitants. The Arabs can and must pressure the US administration to revive the peace process, which the Israelis blocked and then blamed the Palestinians for the stalemate. The Palestinians may not be a military match for Israel, but they have international law and public opinion on their side. This is why their flag is now flying at the UN, although their state is merely an observer so far. The International Criminal Court, if approached, will find enough evidence to indict Israeli leaders for actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinians may be living under Israel's yoke but they can still resist, and have the right to do so by international law. They can also document Israel's violations, in reports and documentaries, in court and through the media. They can bring to Israel the shame that its leaders have been courting for years. The writer is a political analyst.
