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Palestinian school girls on a class trip to visit the Dome of the Rock (behind) and the Al Aqsa Mosque, two of the Islamic world’s holiest sites in Al Haram Al Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) in Occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. Image Credit: EPA

Ramallah: Expected Hanukkah celebrations next week will likely enflame tensions between Muslims and Jews living in Occupied Jerusalem, according to observers. Several Jewish ultraorthodox movements have announced joint celebrations inside Al Haram Al Sharif, the site of recent clashes after Israelis have intruded into the area which defies protocol. Al Haram Al Sharif is the third most holy site in Islam and includes the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa mosque.

The Temple Mount Trustees, Eretz Yisrael, Women of the Temple Mount and Students for the Temple Mount made the joint announcement and distributed flyers urging Jews to join in the celebrations in Al Haram Al Sharif. The celebrations will take place starting from December 14.

Residents of occupied East Jerusalem told Gulf News that ultraorthodox Jews are using the Hanukkah feast to provoke Palestinians and drag them into more violent clashes.

The status-quo of Al Haram Al Sharif which falls under the control of Jordan, does not permit Jews to pray at the Muslim holy site.

Both the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman have said that the status quo of Al Haram Al Sharif should not be changed and said that Israelis who insist on rights to pray at Al Haram Al Sharif do not reflect the views of the Israeli government.

However, Palestnians say these groups have the full backing of the Israeli government and occupation forces will provide them cover and security.

They also say that the numbers of Al Murabiteen (protectors of Al Haram Al Sharif) have dwindled due to Israeli security measures.

On Monday, Israeli occupation forces slapped a well-known female teacher at Al Aqsa Sharia school with a 90-day ban, without explanation.

“The Israeli government must play an active role in controlling these ultraorthodox groups,” said Fakhri Abu Diyab, a member of the Higher Committee in Defense of Jerusalem, told Gulf News.

“Violence will be confronted with violence and Al Haram Al Sharif will be protected under any circumstances,” he added.