The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in London has strongly condemned Israel’s violent assaults on Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque and peaceful Muslim worshipers holding prayers in the holy compound.

This came in an oral statement on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel delivered as part of the 50th regular session of the Human Rights Council (13 June – 8 July 2022).

“Throughout the month of Ramadan this year, Israeli Forces have regularly raided the Al Aqsa Mosque and attacked Palestinian worshippers, with over 300 Palestinians sustaining injuries and dozens being arrested”, said PRC speaker in the online session.

PRC said the most violent raid during this period was on Friday 29th April, the final Friday in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“With Israeli forces smashing windows at Al Aqsa Mosque, throwing tear gas and stun grenades inside the mosque at Palestinian worshippers.The frequent attacks on Palestinian places of worship are considered to be war crimes according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”, added PRC.

PRC said Israeli forces restricting access and attacking worshippers to protect Israeli Settlers whilst they invade the compound are all flagrant violations of Palestinian human rights, most notably violating Article 18, of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, outlining every human being’s innate freedom of religion.

The Centre called on the members of the Human Rights Council to publicly condemn Israel’s violations in relation to Al Aqsa Mosque. It also called on the world’s governments and leading human rights institutions to take the necessary measures towards Israel, in order to protect all places of worship in Jerusalem and the worshippers practicing their right to freedom of religion.