<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="ar" dir="rtl">مستوطن يحاول إدخال "قربان" إلى المسجد الأقصى المبارك، صباح اليوم بالتزامن مع ثاني أيام "الفصح" العبري <a href="https://t.co/IrQVI6dzoL">pic.twitter.com/IrQVI6dzoL</a></p>— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) <a href="https://twitter.com/qudsn/status/1911732704241926485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The group uses the term “Temple Mount” to refer to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a holy Muslim site. The arrests reportedly aimed to prevent violence, fearing Palestinian worshipers would resist such a provocation.
In a post on Facebook, the group said, “Each day, especially during the holiday, we pray for the return of the sacrificial ritual. It’s time for our voices to be heard. We will continue to push for it with all means available.”
Last Friday, Israeli police also detained group leader Raphael Morris as he attempted to bring a Passover offering to the Old City. The group confirmed that he was the fifth person arrested in recent days for trying to sacrifice animals at or near the mosque.
Morris released a video urging Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to support the effort and seize the "opportunity" to resume the zionist ritual.
The Jerusalem Governorate condemned these actions, calling them a dangerous escalation and a direct attack on Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially Al-Aqsa mosque. It said the calls to carry out sacrifices were backed by prominent figures in settler groups and openly encouraged by Israeli ministers.
The Islamic Waqf Council in occupied Jerusalem issued a strong statement warning of “unprecedented violations” during the Israeli Passover holiday. It reported that 1,149 settlers stormed the mosque on Monday under heavy Israeli police protection.
The council condemned the intrusions and the rituals performed by settlers inside the holy mosque, including Talmudic prayers, dancing, and singing—practices that violate the mosque’s religious status.
Israeli police also targeted mosque staff and preachers. Authorities summoned Sheikh Mohammed Salim, Al-Aqsa mosque’s preacher, last Friday and handed him an order banning him from the site.
The Waqf urged the Arab and Muslim world to take immediate and effective steps to protect Al-Aqsa. It reiterated that the entire 144-dunam compound is a sacred Islamic site and does not belong to any other faith. “There is no division, no partnership, and no compromise,” the council said.
Meanwhile, settler incursions continued under heavy police guard. Palestinians were barred from entering the mosque during morning raids. Many had their IDs confiscated.
