Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy police guard

Groups of Israeli settlers entered the sacred precincts of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday, shielded by substantial police deployment. Participants performed contentious religious acts within the courtyard areas, specifically prostration rituals near Bab al-Rahma gate and the Dome of the Rock structure, according to statements from the Jerusalem Governorate.

Extremist mobilization and restrictions

Far-right factions associated with the Temple Mount movement have issued appeals for additional settlers to penetrate the compound and hoist Israeli flags throughout its grounds. These mobilization efforts coincide with heightened Israeli security restrictions across East Jerusalem, where authorities have erected military checkpoints, blocked thoroughfares, and severely limited Palestinian worshippers' access to perform prayers.

Pattern of escalating violations

Such trespassing incidents have grown more frequent since the beginning of April, with occupation supporters conducting visible religious ceremonies within the mosque complex. Last week, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir personally infiltrated the site to perform Talmudic rites alongside other settlers, representing his third such aggression this year and sixteenth since taking office in late 2022.

Status quo and Palestinian stance

Israeli authorities have unilaterally permitted settlers to enter the compound during morning and afternoon prayer periods since 2003, excluding Fridays and Saturdays. Muslim authorities recognize Al-Aqsa as the world's third-holiest site, while Jewish groups refer to the location as the Temple Mount, claiming ancient temple connections. Palestinian officials assert that these persistent violations aim to transform the demographic and religious character of East Jerusalem, which they designate as the capital of their prospective state in accordance with international law rejecting Israel's 1967 occupation and 1980 annexation.