Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Over 1800 extremist Israeli settlers broke into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Jerusalem during the so-called festival of lights. Al-Qastal, a Palestinian network operating in occupied Jerusalem, documented that 1816 extremist Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque during the so-called festival of lights or Hanukkah, which started last Sunday and ends on 6 December. It said that settlers celebrated the Hanukkah in a provocative way in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa mosque. Some of the settlers tried to light candles and papers in the mosque while others performed talmudic prayers and celebrations. During these days, some settlers celebrated marriages in the holy mosque under the occupation forces protection. Israeli occupation authorities have allowed settler incursions into the mosque since 2003, under police protection, although there have been repeated objections and warnings by Palestinian religious authorities as settlers’ visits provoke Palestinian worshippers. Israeli forces always facilitate and protect settlers’ incursions while prevent Palestinian worshipers from entery, assault and detain them. Al-Aqsa mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Israelis refer to the mosque as the 'Temple Mount', claiming it was the site of two prominent Jewish temples in ancient times. The complex also includes the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most sacred Christian sites in the world.