Colonists surge into Al-Aqsa Mosque amidst a strong Zionist security presence

Hundreds of Israeli settlers invaded the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound this morning, coinciding with the 4th day of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, backed by a substantial deployment of Israeli security forces.

News ID: 85175

Date: 20 October 2024 - 13:00

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Local reports indicate that more than 434 settlers entered the mosque, engaging in religious ceremonies, while one individual blew a shofar within the compound.

Additionally, it was reported that a group of settlers assembled at the al-Tattanin Gate, a key entrance located on the northern side of the mosque, where they performed their rituals.

In preparation for these actions, Israeli forces had previously heightened their military presence in the Old City of Jerusalem, sealing off the route from the Lions' Gate to the Mughrabi Gate and restricting Muslim access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque to facilitate the settlers' entry.

Israeli authorities frequently take advantage of Jewish holidays to enforce restrictions on Palestinians, implementing collective punitive measures such as checkpoint closures and an increased military presence, which disrupts the movement of residents and prevents them from reaching their holy sites.