OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (Palestine Foundation Information Center ) Groups of Jewish settlers stormed the courtyards of Aqsa Mosque early Monday morning, carrying out provocative Talmudic rituals under the heavy protection of Israeli police forces.
According to sources in Jerusalem, dozens of settlers entered Aqsa in separate groups and performed ritual acts in the Mosque’s compound, while rabbis provided explanations related to the so-called “Temple Mount.”
At the same time, Israeli forces tightened restrictions at the Mosque gates and throughout the Old City, obstructing Palestinian worshipers and residents attempting to enter the area.
Local calls from Occupied Jerusalem and Palestinian communities inside the occupied territories have intensified, urging people to mobilize and gather at Aqsa Mosque. The calls emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong presence in the mosque courtyards to thwart Israeli and settler plans aimed at asserting control over the site.
Organizers stressed the urgency of confronting Israeli efforts to reduce the number of worshipers, calling on Palestinians to flock to the Mosque upon its reopening, perform prayers, and challenge Israeli attempts to sever the mosque from its religious and cultural surroundings.
Activists underscored that maintaining a presence at Aqsa at this critical moment reflects popular resilience in the face of Israeli escalation. They called it a clear message that Al-Aqsa is a red line that cannot be crossed, regardless of circumstances or challenges.
Haroun Nasser Al-Din, a senior Hamas political bureau member and head of the Jerusalem Affairs Office, condemned the increased settler incursions, describing them as desperate attempts to impose Judaization measures and assert full control over Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem.
He highlighted that bringing in religious symbols, performing public rituals, provocative dances, and desecrating graves in Bab al-Rahma cemetery represent the criminal face of the settler movement—actions fully protected and enabled by Israel’s far-right government.
Nasser Al-Din further stated that the mass demolition of dozens of Palestinian homes in a matter of days will not weaken the resolve of Jerusalemites or diminish their attachment to their land, rights, and holy sites.
He emphasized that all Judaization projects targeting the holy city are part of a broader Israeli strategy of annexation and forced displacement. This plan will ultimately fail, regardless of the sacrifices required to resist it.
Nasser Al-Din concluded by calling on Palestinians and the wider Arab and Islamic nations to do everything in their power to protect Jerusalem, Aqsa Mosque, and Islamic sanctities from Israel’s schemes. He urged unified efforts to repel the aggression and liberate the land from occupation.
