Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa, Perform Talmudic Rituals under Heavy Security

On Sunday, hundreds of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy protection from Israeli forces during the fourth day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, according to Marouf Al-Rifai, Advisor to the Governor of Jerusalem.

Al-Rifai reported that over 735 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, where they performed Talmudic rituals. One settler sounded the shofar, while others engaged in what is referred to as "epic prostration" within the mosque’s courtyards.

The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) stated that settlers also gathered near the Cotton Merchants' Gate, one of the main northern entrances to the mosque, where they performed further Talmudic rituals.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified military measures in Jerusalem’s Old City, closing the road leading from the Lions' Gate to the Moroccan Gate. They also obstructed the access of Palestinians to the mosque, facilitating the settlers' entry.

Israeli authorities are known to exploit Jewish holidays to impose restrictions on Palestinians, implementing collective punishment measures. These include closing checkpoints, tightening military controls, and hindering the movement of Palestinians, particularly preventing access to holy sites. Simultaneously, settlers are granted easier access to Palestinian towns and Islamic landmarks, such as the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.