Israel’s Ben-Gvir breaks into Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque

Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)- Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir broke into the courtyards of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday while being backed by well-armed Israeli forces.

While chanting, the Israeli settlers marched towards the mosque to mark the so-called Jewish holiday 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.

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

BREAKING: In the presence of ultranationalist minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, colonial Israeli settlers perform epic prostration inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem while being backed by well-armed Israeli occupation forces. pic.twitter.com/X4hb7lFLQO

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) August 13, 2024

Ben-Gvir’s intrusion into the holy site comes amid heightened tensions in the area as Israel’s genocide war in Gaza enters its 11th month with the Israeli far-right minister making inflammatory remarks that call to cut off fuel and aid to Gaza to return the Israeli prisoners and repeated threats to quit and collapse the governing coalition if the Israeli Prime Minister agrees to a Gaza ceasefire proposal.

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.