News Reference: https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/armed-settlers-storm-al-aqsa-mosque-under-pretext-of-jewish
In a significant escalation of tensions, dozens of armed Israeli settlers stormed the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem (al-Quds) on Thursday, coinciding with the Jewish New Year. The settlers, some dressed in traditional Torah attire, performed provocative rituals in the eastern courtyard of the mosque under the protection of Israeli police forces.
Local sources reported that by 10:00 a.m., around 350 settlers had entered Al-Aqsa Mosque through the al-Mughrabi Gate, a key entrance controlled by Israeli authorities since the occupation of Jerusalem in 1967. As the settlers paraded through the streets of Old Jerusalem, tensions in the area intensified further, adding to the already volatile situation in Palestine.
This latest development comes amid the biblical holiday season, a period that has seen a dramatic increase in confrontations around Al-Aqsa Mosque. Many Palestinians and observers fear that these actions represent a concerted effort to alter the Islamic identity of the mosque, with calls for the construction of a “Temple Mount” in its place becoming more prominent. Israeli government funding has reportedly bolstered these efforts, raising concerns over the future of the site and its significance for Muslims worldwide.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam, continues to be a flashpoint in the broader conflict over control of Jerusalem. The presence of armed settlers and the support they receive from Israeli authorities reflect a dangerous trend that threatens to escalate the situation even further.
Stay updated as this story unfolds and tensions continue to rise in the region.