Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, perform rituals

Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday under the protection of Israeli police, touring the courtyards and performing Talmudic rituals at the flashpoint holy site, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Citing the Jerusalem Governorate, the agency said dozens of settlers entered the compound early Wednesday and toured its courtyards while performing religious rituals.

Israeli police provided protection for the group during the visit, which passed without reported clashes. Al-Aqsa Mosque stands as the third-holiest site in Islam, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount and maintain it was the location of two ancient Jewish temples.

Palestinian warnings over Judaization

Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned that Israel is escalating efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity. Such actions, they argue, threaten the historical and legal status quo of the holy city.

Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, a position backed by international resolutions that do not recognize Israel's occupation of the city in 1967 or its subsequent annexation in 1980. Israeli incursions into the compound have increased in recent months, triggering regular protests from Palestinian worshippers and officials alike.