Today, extremist Jewish settlers stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, sparking tensions and concerns over religious provocations in the region.
According to a statement by the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, dozens of settlers forcefully entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Moroccan Gate in groups.
They conducted suspicious tours within its courtyards and performed Talmudic rituals under heavy protection from Israeli police forces.
The Israeli police imposed restrictions on Muslim worshipers entering Al-Aqsa Mosque and intensified their military presence around the Old City, effectively turning it into a fortified military zone.
Hundreds of Israeli police officers were deployed near the gates of the mosque to manage the situation amid rising tensions.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is one of the holiest sites in Islam and is also revered in Judaism as the Temple Mount.
It has been a frequent flashpoint of tensions between Palestinians and Israelis, particularly concerning access and control over the site.
The presence of Israeli settlers and police within the compound often leads to clashes and escalations, exacerbating the volatile situation in Jerusalem.
This incident underscores ongoing Palestinian concerns over Israeli actions in East Jerusalem, including settler incursions into sensitive religious sites, which are viewed as provocative and destabilizing. International organizations and human rights groups frequently criticize Israel’s policies in East Jerusalem, citing violations of Palestinian rights and international law.