Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem

Dozens of Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday under the protection of Israeli security forces, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Local sources said the settlers stormed the mosque courtyards and performed Talmudic rituals during the incursion while heavily guarded by Israeli police. The incident has drawn criticism from Palestinian officials and regional governments, who warned that such actions could further escalate tensions in the region.

Türkiye strongly condemned the incident, saying the actions violated the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque as an Islamic holy site. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the provocative acts risk deepening instability and called for the protection of Palestinian rights and Islamic holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem.

The latest incident comes amid continued restrictions on Palestinian worshippers’ access to the mosque compound. Palestinian authorities say Israeli forces have intensified measures around the site in recent weeks.

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Last month, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also entered the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy police protection, drawing widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.

According to Palestinian officials, Israeli settlers carried out around 30 incursions into the mosque compound during April alone. Palestinians accuse Israel of attempting to alter the identity and status of East Jerusalem through ongoing settlement expansion and restrictions at religious sites.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third-holiest site, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of ancient Jewish temples.

Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state and reject Israel’s annexation of the city following the 1967 Middle East war, a move not recognised by much of the international community.