LONDON: Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem 27 times in July, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs.
Settlers entered the site through the Israel-controlled Moroccan Gate during these tours. Israeli forces accompanied them while they performed Jewish rituals and exited the site through the Chain Gate, according to the Wafa news agency.
On some occasions, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Knesset members, and leaders of groups advocating the construction of a Jewish temple on the site took part in the tours. Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for greater access to Al-Aqsa’s compound for Jewish worshippers.
Some Israeli activists also performed the Talmudic ritual known as “epic prostration,” in which the worshipper bows low to the ground in a display of humility and reverence, while others raised Israeli flags.
The Awqaf ministry said that Israeli authorities temporarily detained Jerusalem Grand Mufti and Al-Aqsa preacher Sheik Mohammad Hussein in July.
