Ben-Gvir Joins Mass Israeli Incursion Into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led hundreds of Israelis into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, September 28, under heavy police protection.

The incident took place on the third day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, as Israeli authorities imposed restrictions around Jerusalem’s Old City and areas leading to the compound.

According to the Jerusalem governorate, Israeli forces closed several roads and intersections around the Old City. About 900 Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa compound during the morning, with some reportedly dancing and singing in its courtyards.

During the visit, Ben-Gvir said Israelis were the “owners” of the site and claimed that Israel was moving towards what he described as “absolute victory.”

The incursion coincided with measures forcing dozens of Palestinian shopkeepers in the Old City to close their businesses during the holiday. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel said shops, cafés and restaurants in the Cotton Merchants Market were ordered closed to make way for Jewish prayers.

Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned the incident, describing it as a dangerous provocation and warning that it could contribute to a wider religious conflict in the region.

Israeli police have permitted groups of Israelis to enter the Al-Aqsa compound on a regular basis since 2003, except on Fridays and Saturdays. Palestinian worshippers have also faced restrictions on access to the site, including during Ramadan this year.

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