DaysofPal — Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem on Thursday morning, performing Talmudic prayers and epic prostration on Wednesday morning.
The incursion took place through the Moroccan Gate under heavy protection from Israeli police, on the eve of what is referred to as the “Hebrew anniversary of the occupation of Jerusalem.”
The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem reported that the group included Israeli Knesset member Ariel Kellner.
The settlers toured the mosque compound and carried out what were described as provocative acts in its courtyards.
According to the Waqf, some of the settlers performed ritual prostration and Talmudic prayers in the Bab al-Rahma area, located on the eastern side of the compound.
Meanwhile, Israeli police continued to impose strict restrictions on Palestinian worshippers entering the site, including confiscating personal identification cards at its outer gates.
Settler groups have circulated calls encouraging further incursions into Al-Aqsa and raising Israeli flags inside the compound later on Thursday.
This comes as 22 Israeli politicians, including nine ministers from the far-right government, signed a petition demanding easier access for settlers to enter the site on Friday.
In a letter addressed to the Israeli police chief and the Jerusalem district commander, the ministers and Knesset members called for allowing settlers to access Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, and to permit night-time incursions.
In response, Palestinian groups have called for mass mobilization and increased presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque to counter the Israeli plans targeting the holy site.
They stressed the importance of maintaining a strong and continuous presence despite tight military restrictions imposed on worshippers.
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