Israeli settlers storm al-Aqsa Mosque compound protected by regime forces

Israeli settlers have stormed the courtyards of the al-Aqsa Mosque in yet another desecration of the Islamic holy site.

Local sources said that 568 colonists entered the mosque compound in groups as they were protected by the Israeli forces.

Israeli settlers conducted provocative tours of its courtyards and performing Talmudic rituals.

Since 2003, Israeli police have allowed illegal settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound despite repeated objections from the Islamic Waqf, which administers the site.

Violations at the complex have increased since far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir assumed office as Israel’s national security minister in late 2022, with Ben-Gvir and other ministers and members of the Knesset participating in such visits, Palestinian officials said.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.