JERUSALEM,— Around 570 Israeli settlers entered the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday under heavy Israeli security, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
The settlers performed Jewish religious rituals and prayers inside the compound. The move came ahead of Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur began on Sunday evening and will continue until Monday evening.
Netanyahu Visits Western Wall Area
The latest entry followed a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several ministers and thousands of Israelis to the Western Wall plaza on Saturday night.
Netanyahu also visited tunnels beneath the Western Wall with his wife, Sara Netanyahu. He made remarks about the site and Israel’s historical and religious connection to the area.
The visits took place under heavy security in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israeli security forces also increased measures around the Al-Aqsa compound during the Jewish holiday period.
Hamas Condemns Netanyahu Visit
Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s visit to the Western Wall tunnels and excavation areas beneath the Al-Aqsa site.
The group said the visits and Netanyahu’s statements represented an attack on the identity and status of the holy site. Hamas also said Al-Aqsa, including its courtyards, prayer areas, walls and gates, would remain an Islamic place of worship.
Hamas further called on Palestinians and Arab and Muslim countries to oppose what it described as attempts to create new realities around the holy site.
Rising Tensions Around Al-Aqsa
The latest incidents have added to tensions around Al-Aqsa ahead of Yom Kippur.
Palestinian officials have warned about increased settler activity during Jewish holidays. They have also raised concerns about efforts to introduce new religious practices at the site.
Israeli settler groups had called for gatherings and prayers near Bab al-Rahma, one of the gates of the Al-Aqsa compound. Palestinian worshippers have also faced tighter access measures around the Old City during the holiday period.
