Israeli settlers force entry into Al Aqsa mosque on Jewish holiday

Hundreds of Israeli settlers on Sunday broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, through the Moroccan Gate, on the second day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, news agency WAFA reported.

The Jerusalem Governorate said the incursions took place amid continued violations of the historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque, including the bringing of plant offerings into its courtyards. Platforms affiliated with Temple groups said Israeli police did not prevent the offerings from being brought into the mosque.

According to the governorate, settlers performed Talmudic rituals near the Qattanin Gate, while chanting songs, holding dance circles, performing prostrations and lying collectively on the ground.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam. Jewish religious and nationalist groups refer to the compound as the “Temple Mount,” claiming it was the location of two ancient Jewish temples.