DaysofPal-Israeli settler groups affiliated with the Temple movement have intensified calls for a large-scale incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday, July 23, to coincide with what they describe as the anniversary of the “destruction of the Temple.”
The groups say they aim to stage the largest settler incursion into Al-Aqsa to date, with coordinated entries planned during both the morning and afternoon.
In a further escalation, a coalition known as the Third Temple Coalition has called for nighttime access to the compound following the so-called Sovereignty March scheduled for Wednesday evening.
The coalition said it is coordinating its plans with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The settler groups are also seeking to expand the hours during which incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound are permitted, a move Palestinian officials say would further alter the site’s long-standing historical and legal status quo.
Other Temple-affiliated organizations have launched mobilization campaigns ahead of the planned incursion, urging settlers to participate in large numbers.
The latest campaign marks the second coordinated attempt by Temple groups to secure nighttime access to Al-Aqsa, following a similar effort in May.
Analysts say the renewed campaign is part of sustained pressure by settler organizations to expand the hours of incursions and introduce evening access to the mosque, a move Palestinian and Islamic authorities warn would represent a significant escalation and further undermine the status quo governing the holy site.
Local sources said more than 1,489 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the past week under heavy protection from Israeli occupation police, amid a marked increase in the frequency of such incursions.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, located in Occupied Jerusalem, is Islam’s third holiest site and holds profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Israeli occupation authorities have controlled access through the Mughrabi Gate since occupying East Jerusalem in 1967, while Palestinian worshippers continue to face frequent restrictions on entry to the mosque.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=76515
