What does the ‘status quo’ mean at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque?

Far-right Jewish Israelis enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Palestinians fear that they are losing control of the site [File: Jerusalem Islamic Waqf - Anadolu Agency]

The legal status of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a recurring flashpoint in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Last week, Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque, attacking and arresting Palestinian worshippers who had been inside the prayer hall. Rockets were shot into Israel from Gaza and Lebanon in retaliation, leading to a brief flare-up in violence.