Israeli security forces have maintained a closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for 17 straight days, barring Palestinians from entering or worshiping at one of Islam's holiest sites. Officials point to security risks, but critics argue the extended closure is politically motivated. This is the longest shutdown since Israel seized control of East Jerusalem and the Old City in 1967. The closure affects thousands of Palestinian worshippers during Ramadan, a period when attendance at the mosque typically surges. For the first time, key Ramadan rituals such as Taraweeh prayers and Itikaf retreats inside the mosque have been prohibited. Palestinian authorities... [Continue Reading]
The Arab League Council issued a strong denunciation against the Israeli authorities’ decision to keep Al-Aqsa Mosque closed to worshippers, particularly during the final and most sacred nights of Ramadan. This restriction prevents Muslims from performing essential religious rites at the site, which holds profound spiritual significance for over two billion believers worldwide. This closure is viewed by the League as a flagrant breach of international and humanitarian law and a violation of the historic status quo governing the mosque. The decision inflames religious and political tensions, as access to Al-Aqsa is a longstanding and highly sensitive issue within the... [Continue Reading]
Israeli authorities have continued barring Palestinian worshipers from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem for the 16th day in a row, citing heightened security concerns tied to the broader regional conflict involving Iran. This move has been accompanied by a major deployment of Israeli soldiers around the mosque and the Old City’s gates, effectively blocking access. For the first time since Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, religious gatherings like Taraweeh and Itikaf prayers during the last ten days of Ramadan have been banned. This unprecedented restriction affects thousands of Palestinian Muslims who view Al-Aqsa as a central... [Continue Reading]
Over the past two weeks, Israel has imposed a closure on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, severely restricting access to one of Islam's holiest sites during the significant month of Ramadan. This action has drawn sharp condemnation from eight nations, including Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The collective statement from these nations highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the control and status of religious sites in Jerusalem. The frequent closures of Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly during periods of heightened religious observance, have long been a source of contention. For twelve consecutive days, the mosque and its... [Continue Reading]
The Thin, Bloody Line Between Justice and Jungle Rule IS KILLING WITHOUT MERCY NOW LEGAL? By Anthony Sterling In September 2025, the United States military launched what became known as Operation Southern Spear, a lethal campaign targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters. The stated objective was to combat narco trafficking networks operating beyond territorial jurisdiction. The ethical shock came on 2 September 2025, when a double strike in the Caribbean left survivors clinging to wreckage for nearly an hour. Drone footage reportedly showed two individuals waving from debris after the first impact. Instead of rescue, three additional munitions... [Continue Reading]