Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday under Israeli police protection, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Palestinian authorities said dozens toured the site and performed Talmudic rituals. The incident heightened tensions over one of Jerusalem’s most sensitive religious sites.
WAFA, citing the Jerusalem Governorate, said the settlers entered the compound’s courtyards while escorted by Israeli police. Palestinian officials described the visit as part of efforts to increase Israeli control over the site. They also accused Israel of attempting to alter the historical and religious character of occupied East Jerusalem.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site in Islam, while Jews revere the same area as the Temple Mount. Palestinians consider East Jerusalem the capital of a future Palestinian state. International resolutions do not recognize Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967 or its annexation of the city in 1980.
Meanwhile, Israeli newspaper Haaretz recently reported that Israeli police had launched a recruitment campaign targeting religious Jews and far-right activists. The report said the initiative aims to strengthen the police presence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. It also claimed police maintained regular contact with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding developments at the site.
The Jerusalem Governorate condemned the reported recruitment drive as a dangerous development. It said the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf remains the only authority responsible for administering the mosque under existing arrangements. Palestinian officials warned that any changes to the site’s governance could further escalate tensions in Jerusalem.