Israeli settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem have intensified, drawing condemnation from Palestinian authorities.
The update from the Awqaf Ministry, as reported by the Anadolu news agency, comes after WAFA news agency reported that 632 Israelis had entered the compound today under police protection.
“The Israeli occupation forces and settlers escalated their attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque in December,” the ministry said.
“These intrusions aim to create a new reality in the mosque by allowing settlers to perform Jewish religious rituals,” it added.
The status quo has long been that only Muslims can pray in the Al-Aqsa compound in occupied East Jerusalem, which is known as Temple Mount to Jewish worshippers. However, some Jewish settler and ultranationalist groups conduct regular provocative tours of the complex, often with the protection of Israeli police.
Israel’s Chief Rabbinate prohibits entry for Jews to Al-Aqsa due to the holiness of the site, a rule that is regularly violated by the Israeli far right.
On Sunday, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi entered the compound and performed rituals in one of the tunnels beneath the Western Wall, known as the al-Buraq Wall to Palestinians.
