Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Dozens of extremist Israeli settlers have been breaking into the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Jerusalem since the early morning hours of Thursday. Under the occupation forces protection, around 70 Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque during the morning break-in session and they entered through the Damascus Gate- which Palestinians call Bab al-Amud Gate. They are now provoking the Palestinian worshipers by performing Talmudic prayers in the courtyards of the mosque and taking pictures. https://twitter.com/AlQastalps/status/1451081460694323200?t=bwjf3XBMqycECzw4e_1VgQ&s=19 In the meanwhile, the occupation forces have installed a checkpoint at the Bab al-Amud Gate, a key entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem, harassing and searching the Palestinians in the area. Israeli occupation authorities have allowed settler incursions to the mosque since 2003, under the forces protection, although there have been repeated objections and warnings by the Palestinian religious authorities as the settlers' visits provoke Palestinian worshippers of the mosque. Israeli forces always facilitate and protect the settlers incursions 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.