ALBAWABA - Hundreds of Jewish settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy security from Israeli occupation forces.
The Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department reported that 1,531 settlers, divided into 23 groups, forced their way Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday morning from Mughrabi Gate direction.
According to the department, the settlers carried out "provocative" tours in the courtyards of the mosque, Islam's third holiest shrines.
The compound, which also houses the Dome of the Rock, is known to Jews as the "Temple Mount," a sacred sanctuary believed to be where the first and second ancient Jewish temples once stood.
While in Al-Aqsa's courtyard, the settlers received explanations on the "structure," a reference to Jewish claims of the temples, and performed Talmudic rituals in the eastern side of the compound, before leaving the squares from Chain Gate, English for Bab al-Silsilah, under police protection.
The police continued to impose strict restrictions on the entry of Palestinians to the mosque on the fifth day of the Jewish Passover holiday, as its members and special units have been deployed since the morning in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa and at its gates.
Additionally, police continued to restrict the entry of Muslim worshipers for dawn prayers and turn away many.
Israel police also prevented Al-Aqsa Mosque guards from giving head covers for tourists visiting the mosque through the Mughrabi Gate and threatened the guards to arrest them.
Despite the strict measures, hundreds of Palestinian men and women managed to find their way into the mosque.
International media outlets reported that Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir called for extending the days of settlers' visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Recently, the mosque was subjected to attacks by settlers, targeting worshipers and showering them with stunt grenades and tear gas.
The attacks culminated in scores of injuries, hundreds of arrests, and severe damages to the contents of the chapel inside the mosque.
