Israeli settlers storm Al Aqsa Mosque under heavy police protection — Waqf Department

AMMAN — Dozens of extremist Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif compound in occupied Jerusalem on Monday, entering through the Mughrabi Gate under tight protection from Israeli occupation forces.

The Jerusalem Waqf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Departmentsaid in a statement, cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the settlers conducted “provocative” tours throughout the mosque compound and performed Talmudic rituals in its eastern section. 

Israeli forces continued to restrict access for Palestinian worshippers to the holy site, the department said, imposing heightened security measures.at the mosque’s entrances and 

Palestinian groups have intensified calls for mass mobilisation and continued presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque in response to what they describe as ongoing efforts by settler organisations and Israeli authorities to impose control over the holy site and advance plans to build the alleged “temple” in place of the mosque, according to Petra. 

These calls come ahead of the upcoming “Jerusalem Day” on May 26, when far-right groups are expected to increase visits to the site.

The mosque compound has remained under heightened Israeli restrictions since October 7, with security forces limiting Muslim access, erecting metal barriers, and detaining worshippers attempting to enter, Petra said.