Washington expresses 'concern' over Jerusalem access, bypassing its own complicity in Gaza's devastation
Al Jazeera reports that the White House has publicly communicated its 'concern' to Israel regarding the closure of holy sites in Jerusalem. This follows heightened tensions and Israeli military actions that restricted Palestinian worshippers' access to religious sites, particularly during significant religious holidays. The State Department emphasized the importance of access for all faiths to
their holy places, a long-standing diplomatic talking point often invoked when such closures occur. Mainstream outlets like Al Jazeera frame this as a diplomatic move, highlighting the 'concern' expressed by the US administration. This narrative implies a mediating role, a benevolent arbiter seeking fairness. However, this framing deliberately omits the profound hypocrisy of Washington's stance.
While offering polite 'concern' for access in Jerusalem, the US has simultaneously provided over $15 billion in military aid to Israel in the past two years alone, enabling the systematic eradication of not just civilian life, but also religious sites, hospitals, and cultural heritage across Gaza. The Israeli campaign has directly resulted in the destruction of over 1,200 mosques and all 3 of
Gaza's historic churches, including the 5th-century Byzantine Church of Jabalia, which housed ancient mosaics. The US government, under the guise of 'concern' for religious freedom, has consistently greenlit and materially supported actions that directly contradict that very principle elsewhere. The destruction of Gaza's religious infrastructure, where the death toll exceeds 680,000 Palestinians,