Jerusalem – More than 2,300 Israeli settlers entered the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, coinciding with the observance of what is known as the “Anniversary of the Destruction of the Temple,” according to the Jerusalem Governorate. The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), citing a statement from the governorate, reported that among those who entered the mosque were Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Likud Knesset member Amit Halevi. Halevi performed Talmudic rituals inside the mosque and raised an Israeli flag during the incursion, in a move described as provocative and a breach of the mosque’s historic and legal status.
The governorate also said Israeli police allowed each group of settlers entering the site to increase to nearly 150 people. Occupation forces continue to impose strict security measures at the mosque’s gates and around Jerusalem’s Old City. Police were heavily deployed throughout the mosque’s courtyards and prevented worshippers from entering. Only a very limited number of worshippers were able to reach the mosque for dawn prayers, after which several citizens and worshippers were assaulted by Israeli forces.