More than 100,000 people held anti-Israel protests Sunday in the Indonesian capital and several other cities, calling for protection of Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site — the disputed Al Aqsa Mosque compound.
Unfurling big banners saying, “Save Al Aqsa from raid of the Jewish,” about 80,000 people–mostly conservative Muslims dressed in traditional white garb — marched peacefully down Jakarta’s main streets. Some marchers chanted, “Israel is the terrorist!”
A group of extremist Jews in Israel called Revava opposes Israel’s planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and has threatened to storm Al Aqsa Mosque in July, when Israeli police and soldiers are to evacuate thousands of settlers from Gaza. Clashes at the site could ignite violence all over the region and force Israel to halt its withdrawal.
The mosque compound is on a hilltop known as the Temple Mount to Jews and Noble Sanctuary to Muslims. Al Aqsa Mosque compound, including the shrine marking the spot where Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven, is built over the ruins of the biblical Jewish Temples.
