205 extremist Israeli settlers break into Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem

Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Dozens of extremist Israeli settlers broke into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Jerusalem, earlier on Wednesday, provoking Palestinian worshipers.

Al-Qastal, a Palestinian network hub for Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem, said that 205 Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque during the morning break-in session, under the occupation forces protection, and their incursions to the mosque continue till this moment.

The settlers entered through the Mughrabi Gate, one of the Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem and is under full-Israeli control.

They were provoking Palestinian worshipers by performing Talmudic prayers in the courtyards of the holy site and at the Mughrabi Gate.

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

Since the start of 2021, 34,562 settlers broke into the holy site, setting a new record, as in 2020, 19,000 settlers broke into the mosque and 29,700 settlers in 2019, according to Al-Qastal.

Al-Qastal also documented that 3078 Israeli settlers, including Jewish students, employees at the occupation authorities, and what the occupation police called as their “guests”, broke into the holy site during the month of January.

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