Netanyahu's Tunnel Visit Sparks Fresh Al Aqsa Tensions

Jerusalem Tensions Rise as Netanyahu Inspects Tunnel Beneath Al Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to a tunnel beneath the Al Aqsa Mosque compound has ignited fresh tensions in the region. The tunnel is part of an ongoing Israeli archaeological project, which Palestinians and many international observers view with deep suspicion. Critics fear the project threatens the mosque's structural integrity and constitutes a land grab. The video released by The National News shows Netanyahu walking through the tunnel, stating, "Releasing our hostages is in our eyes." This statement, made just a day after Israeli airstrikes tragically killed dozens of Palestinians sheltering in a school in Gaza, has further fueled the controversy. The timing of Netanyahu's visit has been seen as inflammatory and insensitive by many. "For decades, Israeli authorities have been excavating under Al Aqsa, in what they claim is a search for Solomon's Temple," the video narration explains. This long-standing archaeological activity has long been a source of contention, with critics claiming it's a thinly veiled attempt to assert control over the holy site. The current project, with its proximity to the mosque's foundations, has raised concerns about potential damage to the structure. The incident underscores the ongoing fragility of the peace process and the deep-seated religious and political sensitivities surrounding the Al Aqsa Mosque compound. International calls for de-escalation are growing, urging all sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to prevent further violence.