Around 1,300 Israeli occupiers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday. The incursions coincided with the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av. Palestinian authorities said Israeli police imposed strict restrictions on Muslim worshippers.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate, Israeli police increased the number of occupiers entering the compound in each group to around 150. Security forces also deployed heavily around the Old City and the mosque’s courtyards. Palestinian worshippers were prevented from entering the site.
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The governorate said only a limited number of Palestinians reached the mosque for dawn prayers. It alleged Israeli forces assaulted several worshippers and local residents. Officials also claimed occupiers performed religious rituals inside the compound during the incursions.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Governorate condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the compound. It described the move as a dangerous escalation and a violation of the site’s historical and legal status quo. Likud lawmaker Amit Halevi also entered the compound.
Additionally, Palestinian officials said groups advocating the construction of a Jewish temple mobilised supporters for the visit. They warned the actions could increase regional tensions and affect broader security. The governorate urged the international community to intervene.
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The governorate reiterated that the entire 144-dunam Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is an exclusively Islamic place of worship. It rejected any measures aimed at changing the site’s identity or legal status. Israeli authorities did not immediately respond to the allegations.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam’s third-holiest site and is located in occupied East Jerusalem. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount because of its historical significance. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed it in 1980, a move not recognised by the international community.