Why is Israel digging under Al-Aqsa?

For several decades, Israel has been excavating under the Al-Aqsa Mosque as part of a vague, historically motivated search for ‘Solomon’s Temple. ‘ These excavations represent Israel’s attempt to justify the occupation through archeology, by which Israelis claim they can trace their heritage to the land of Palestine.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Israeli-funded digging in occupied East Jerusalem has been condemned by international archaeologists. The excavations are taking place under the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

The Israeli government claims that the excavations are being carried out for archaeological purposes and to strengthen the foundations of the mosque. However, Palestinians and some international organizations have accused Israel of attempting to undermine the mosque’s foundations and alter its character.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a mosque located in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. The mosque was originally built by Caliph Umar in 638 CE, just a few years after the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.

The name “Al-Aqsa” means “the farthest mosque” and comes from a story in the Quran called “The Night Journey”. The Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a site of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for many years. It has been closed to non-Muslim visitors for extended periods due to security concerns.

After being destroyed in an earthquake in 746, the mosque was rebuilt in 758 by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur. It was further expanded upon in 780 by the Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi, after which it consisted of fifteen aisles and a central dome.