Jerusalem: Dozens of Israeli extremist settlers on Tuesday stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, Quds Governorate said.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the governorate reported that the settlers brought in prayer papers and leaflets marking what they refer to as the "Hebrew new month," and conducted Talmudic rituals within the mosque's courtyards under heavy security presence. This development follows the Israeli occupation police's allowance of "printed prayers" in January, making such practices during incursions a frequent occurrence.
The Israeli occupation forces continue to impose strict access restrictions for Muslims at Al-Aqsa, the governorate stated, adding that there have been hundreds of expulsion orders issued against Jerusalemites as part of ongoing pressure tactics. The governorate also highlighted that logistical plans to accommodate worshippers at Al-Aqsa have been blocked by occupation authorities, with more than 250 expulsion orders issued since the beginning of the year.
Additionally, the pressure has extended to Islamic Waqf employees, with approximately 25 staff members barred from the mosque and four arrested. This is seen as an attempt to undermine the Waqf's capacity to manage the site and organize religious activities. The governorate noted that preparations for Ramadan, including installing shade canopies and setting up temporary field clinics, have been hindered by the occupation.
The governorate also reported an escalation after the "Temple Mount School," an extremist religious group, announced extended morning incursion hours. This decision adds an extra hour to the usual period, following a letter from "Temple organizations" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging for "ensuring Israeli sovereignty and Jewish freedom of worship" during Ramadan.
The occupation's plan for Ramadan involves strict limitations on West Bank Palestinians entering Jerusalem, particularly on Fridays. Worshipper numbers are capped at 10,000, with entry restricted to men over 55 and women over 50, subject to prior approvals, as per the governorate's report.