Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)- Israelis attempted to bring what they call a “Passover sacrifice” into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday. Israeli police held two settlers from an Israeli terrorist group as they approached the holy mosque with sacrificial animals.
مستوطن يحاول إدخال "قربان" إلى المسجد الأقصى المبارك صباح اليوم بالتزامن مع ثاني أيام الفصح العبري. pic.twitter.com/uO5mCvoQh6
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The group uses the term “Temple Mount” to refer to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a holy Muslim site, and calls for the demolition of the holy mosque to build a Jewish place of worship on its ruins. The police intervention reportedly aimed to prevent reaction by worshipers, fearing Muslim worshipers would resist such a provocation.
Last Friday, Israeli police also held 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 held in recent days for trying to sacrifice animals at or near the mosque.
Morris released a video urging far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to support the effort and seize the “opportunity” to resume the zionist ritual at the holy mosque.
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 extremist settler groups and openly encouraged by Israeli ministers.
The Islamic Waqf Council in the occupied Palestinian capital city of Jerusalem issued a strong statement warning of “unprecedented violations” during the Jewish 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 compound, including Talmudic rituals, 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’s preacher, last Friday and handed him an order banning him from the mosque.
The Waqf urged the Arab and Muslim world to take immediate and effective steps to protect Al-Aqsa mosque. 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.
Rising calls by Palestinian activists surfaced for mass presence at Al-Aqsa mosque to defend it from extremist attempts to change its status during the Passover holiday, which runs through April 20. Settler groups have circulated calls to storm the mosque and perform animal sacrifices, claiming it is the site of an alleged “Temple” for which there is no historical or archaeological evidence of its existence.