2,300 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa

2,300 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa

Around 2,300 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, according to Palestinian officials and international media reports.

Palestinian authorities described the mass entry as one of the largest such incursions this year. The incident took place as Jewish settlers marked Tisha B’Av, a religious day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of ancient Jewish temples, according to Jewish tradition.

The site holds deep religious significance for both Muslims and Jews. Muslims refer to it as the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while Jews call the area the Temple Mount.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also entered the compound under heavy police protection. His presence at the sensitive holy site has previously drawn strong criticism from Palestinians and sparked concerns over rising tensions in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Governorate said the number of Israeli settlers entering the compound could increase further by sunset. Palestinian officials also reported that Israeli forces imposed tight security restrictions around the entrances to Al-Aqsa and across the Old City of Jerusalem.

Large numbers of Israeli security personnel deployed throughout the area, while Palestinian worshippers faced restrictions on accessing the mosque. According to the governorate, only a limited number of Palestinians managed to reach Al-Aqsa for the dawn prayer.

Palestinian officials further alleged that Israeli forces assaulted several worshippers and local residents during the heightened security measures.

The latest incident comes amid continued tensions surrounding access to and control of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of the most sensitive religious and political flashpoints in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.