2000 Israeli settlers break into Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, says watchdog

Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)- Hundreds of Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday and performed Talmudic rituals there, while being backed by well-armed Israeli forces.

While chanting, the Israeli settlers marched towards the mosque to mark the so-called Jewish holy day of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the old temples.

According to al-Qastal, a Palestinian network hub for Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem, over 2000 Israeli settlers broke into the holy site.

The settlers reportedly performed provocative dances, Talmudic rituals, and epic prostration in the mosque. They also raised the Israeli flag and sang the Israeli anthem.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Knesset member from the Likud party Amit Halevi, and Negev and Galilee Development Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf also stormed the holy site.

Israeli occupation authorities have allowed settler incursions to the mosque since 2003, under the forces’ protection.

There have been repeated objections and warnings by the Palestinian religious authorities as the settlers’ incursions provoke Palestinian worshipers of the mosque.

Israeli forces always facilitate and protect the settlers while preventing Palestinian worshipers from entering it, assaulting and detaining them.

The Al-Aqsa mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Jews refer to the area 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.