Jerusalem: More than 200 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday under Israeli police protection, according to Palestinian sources, as Israeli authorities also intensified raids, demolition measures, and restrictions across the city.
According to the Palestinian Information Center and a statement issued by the Jerusalem Governorate, a total of 214 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound in separate morning and afternoon groups. Palestinian officials described the visits as part of a continuing pattern of settler incursions into the holy site.
The Jerusalem Governorate cited figures from the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, saying that 1,639 Israeli settlers had entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the previous week.
Palestinian authorities also said Israeli officials issued orders barring several Palestinian activists, including Ahmed Al-Safadi, a member of the National Action Committee, and activist Nasser Al-Hadmi, from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Elsewhere in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities reportedly issued demolition notices for several residential buildings in the town of Kafr Aqab. According to Palestinian officials, owners of 22 homes were given one week to vacate their properties as part of a wider demolition campaign involving 30 residential structures.
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Israeli forces also carried out raids in the Qalandia refugee camp, where troops searched homes, damaged household belongings, and detained at least one Palestinian resident, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
Palestinian officials further alleged that Israeli forces temporarily occupied the offices of the Popular Committee and the Jerusalem Governorate during the operation, while firing tear gas and sound grenades in the area.
In another development, the Governorate said Israeli forces placed concrete blocks along the road connecting the towns of Beit Anan and Beit Liqya, northwest of Jerusalem, in preparation for installing a new military gate.
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Palestinian authorities say Israeli measures in occupied East Jerusalem and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque have intensified in recent weeks, including increased settler visits, restrictions on Palestinian worshippers and activists, military raids, and demolition orders. Israeli authorities have maintained that security operations in the area are aimed at maintaining public order and enforcing planning regulations.
