Why Al-Aqsa remains a sensitive site in Palestine-Israel conflict (The Conversation) — The Al-Aqsa mosque, a flashpoint in Hamas’ recent assault against Israel, hosts daily prayers and Friday gatherings. It lies adjacent to important Jewish and Christian religious locales. The post Why Al-Aqsa remains a sensitive site in Palestine-Israel conflict appeared first on Religion News Service.

How we got to the ‘Al-Aqsa tsunami’ (RNS) — Ramping up religious fanaticism for political ends always ends badly. The post How we got to the ‘Al-Aqsa tsunami’ appeared first on Religion News Service.

Citing Al Aqsa mosque, Hamas launch broad attack as Israelis celebrate Simchat Torah JERUSALEM (AP) — Under cover of a barrage of rockets, dozens of Hamas militants broke out of the blockaded Gaza Strip and into nearby Israeli towns, killing hundreds and abducting others in an early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday Saturday. The post Citing Al Aqsa mosque, Hamas launch broad attack as Israelis celebrate Simchat Torah…

The militants’ statement cited the Aqsa Mosque. Here’s why it matters.