Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinians Assaulted in Old City - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 966 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Tuesday, September 29, under heavy Israeli police protection during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

The settlers entered through the Moroccan Gate and performed religious rituals in the mosque’s courtyards, according to the Jerusalem Governorate, as cited by the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA).

Palestinians were also assaulted in Jerusalem’s Old City, particularly around Damascus Gate. The Jerusalem Governorate said settlers physically assaulted and dragged Palestinians, including elderly people, women, shop owners, journalists and photographers.

The incidents came amid heightened Israeli security measures and restrictions on Palestinian movement around the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City during Sukkot. Roads leading to the Old City and the mosque were also closed or restricted, according to WAFA.

On Monday, 1,731 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in successive groups under heavy Israeli police protection.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined hundreds of Israelis during Monday’s incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to Al Jazeera.

The Jerusalem Governorate said about 900 people entered the compound that morning, with participants singing and dancing in its courtyards.

“We are the owners of the place in Al-Aqsa and in the prisons, and we have turned the lives of terrorist prisoners into hell,” Ben-Gvir said.

He also said Israel was on the path to “absolute victory” and described Al-Aqsa as the most important place for Jews.

Ben-Gvir has previously visited the compound, with his appearances there drawing criticism from Palestinians and Arab countries because of the site’s religious and political sensitivity.