Why Al-Aqsa is key to understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict | Start Here

I used to always be pro Israel because I believed Jews have a right to have their own homeland and were just defending it. I now know this is untrue. My sincerest best wishes to the people of Palestine, may God smile upon you all.

It is great to hear this explained in a short documentary. Sandra Gathmann's voice is calm, clear, concerned but peaceful. A welcome change from other voices that attempt to convey the same story, but with emotional tones that are agitated or distorted by the deep and persistent traumas experienced by so many in the region.

Strange that Al Jazeera skips the portion where Muslim worshippers threw stones at Jewish visitors visiting the south wall region. This on multiple occasions led to multiple clashes inside the mosque complex, due to which security was enhanced.

A place built by destroying another religious place will never be beautiful.

Conspicuously missing from AJ's summary is the history of access to the Western Wall by Jewish worshippers when the Old City wasn't "occupied" (i.e. when it was under Jordanian control). Nothing to remark there? 🤔

The Israeli and Hamas conflict underscores the tragic consequences that can arise when religious differences lead to violence and division. In the pursuit of lasting peace, it's essential to transcend religious divides and prioritize the well-being of all people, regardless of their beliefs. Embracing secular values, such as human rights, equality, and diplomacy, can pave the way for a more peaceful and inclusive future where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than religious affiliations. Art, as a powerful medium, can guide our morality by fostering empathy, promoting tolerance, and inspiring us to envision a world where humanity's shared values and aspirations unite us rather than divide us. Literature, in particular, has the unique ability to create open-minded perspectives by exposing us to diverse viewpoints, cultures, and ideas, which can ultimately lead to greater understanding and empathy among individuals and communities. Curiosity, not a belief in a deity, is the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life, driving us to explore, learn, and connect with the world around us in our shared human journey towards peace and enlightenment.

It is really difficult to broker peace between Israel and Palestine. What is more baffling is the fact that religion tells us these people are the same parents. I have been to Israel, Palestine and Egypt and felt very sad at the level of insecurity within those regions. No free life.

This was so helpful to people like me who are watching from far away. Trying to understand how they got to this place. It is very complicated, and has happened over years and years. I like that you stay neutral so we can understand both sides. I really like Sandra's voice and her manner of presentation.

Thank you for this. Really helped explain the WHY behind what’s going on right now. And also what is completely missing from current MSM reporting

Truly appreciate the in depth, clear, and concisely articulated analysis and education for the public.

Learning of the current Gaza war has led me in need of much education. Finding your video at this time makes it even more vital to hear a complex issue presented clearly: you make sense of Jerusalem's centrality to three major religions. But how is it possible that such steps, leading to the most egregious attacks on prayer in what should be a safe and respected religious site at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, should pass us by? And how is one surprised that one day an eruption occurs, when freedom to pray and work and be is near buried?

I feel more information is needed around the reasons Israeli forces entered the mosque in 2021. What are the reasons access is being militarised?

Just enact laws that allow anyone of the three religions to go there and pray 🙏 whenever they want, then problem solved. There's plenty of space in there.

Viewers say it's balanced presentation, but I see a story and a theory of one faith and slightly more about another. however it's a good explanation on the current status and future. feel sorry for the people living in this region. "Becoming a slave of your own invention is the worst punishment for the humankind".

Sometime I think as humans we don’t even know what we are fighting for ….it’s so sad to see a space of great overlap and connection for all be the very reason why we tear each other done

“…there’s always the fear of how quickly things can escalate when it comes to Al-Aqsa.”

This religious fervour (whichever religion) is really terrifying 😳. Religion walks in, reason, understanding, acceptance, and humanity walks out... 2023 and we're still fighting religious war...really sad and a stain on humanity.

Thank you Aljazeera and their newscasters. I knew a bit about the intersection of religions in that area of Jerusalem, explained but a friend of mine, but this video made it so much clear. I hope harmony among the three religions is truly restored since we must respect each other's religions, beliefs and traditions. Please, peace and respect to everyone. Good job on this video documentary!

Thank you. This is so informative and the presenter is excellent with a very good delivery of the information. Excellent keep up the good work.

When there are two religions that focus on outer show during worship, instead of the inner relationship with God and conduct of oneself, such conflicts will always happen. I am glad that Jesus Christ came to teach us that what matters is in our hearts, it is about love for each other, and not just following the Old Testament law, and outer show during worship like the Pharisees did. As a Christian, I can stand and pray in that Temple and communicate with God, without anyone around me knowing that I did it. I hope that these two religions can seek peace, not revenge.