Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound amid increased restrictions
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Israeli occupation settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under Israeli police protection, still intensifying restrictions on Muslim worshippers since October 2023.
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The supermoon rises behind the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of al-Quds, Palestine, August 19, 2024. (AP)
Witnesses reported that dozens of settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque through al-Maghariba Gate in successive groups, performing provocative rituals and tours within the compound.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli occupation forces have intensified their siege of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by restricting access for Muslim worshipers, tightening security measures at the gates, installing iron barriers, and obstructing entry.
It is important to note that over 46,293 settlers have entered Al-Aqsa Mosque from October 7, 2023, to September 8, 2024, in violation of international agreements and the status-quo of the mosque.
Earlier in September, the so-called Zionist Temple Mount Movement posted an AI-generated video that depicts the Al-Aqsa Mosque burning, accompanied by the message: "Coming soon in these days." The video garnered widespread backlash across social media platforms for the provocation.
However, this is not new, as extremist Israeli settlers, backed by far-right Israeli ministers such as Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Israeli occupation troops, have been storming the holy al-Aqsa Mosque in groups, and attacking Muslim worshipers at the Mosque or those heading to it.
The so-called Zionist Temple Mount Movement posted an AI-generated video that depicts the Al-Aqsa Mosque burning and is accompanied by the message: “Coming soon in these days.”
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 12, 2024
The video has garnered widespread backlash across social media platforms for such provocation.… pic.twitter.com/xdcA0M8YIh
Netanyahu reaffirms Al-Aqsa Mosque status quo before cabinet
The Israeli occupation's security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, met on September 9 to address key concerns, particularly the escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli media.
Netanyahu opened the session with a focus on the growing state of Resistance across occupied Palestine, especially in the West Bank.
This comes as the genocidal war on Gaza continues, and Israeli occupation forces have expanded their operations in the West Bank, where more than 700 Palestinians have been killed as a result of settler attacks and IOF raids, with another 5,700 injured and thousands of others detained according to Palestinian sources report.
Netanyahu also claimed at the time that there will be no change to the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and reiterated that government ministers need his approval before visiting the Mosque's compound.
It is worth noting that despite Islamic, Arab, and international criticism, Israeli occupation ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have stormed the compound on numerous occasions, uttering statements showing intent to subvert the status quo.
Read more: Israeli government to finance Al-Aqsa storming in first
