Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Rising Tensions in East Jerusalem

Israeli settlers have entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and performed Jewish religious rituals in the courtyard, amid heightened tensions ahead of Yom Kippur and Israel’s upcoming general election.

According to Al Jazeera, about 570 Israeli settlers had entered the compound by 10am local time on Sunday, with Palestinian authorities saying some performed Talmudic rituals and prostrations as part of Yom Kippur observances.

The incidents followed a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to tunnels beneath the Western Wall, also known to Muslims as the Al-Buraq Wall. Netanyahu was accompanied by government ministers and thousands of Israeli settlers and later shared footage of himself participating in Jewish prayers at the site.

Netanyahu said in a video recorded inside the tunnels that he was close to what he described as the “Holy of Holies” and declared that Israelis would “always remain here.”

The visits and settler incursions have drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials and Hamas, which accused Netanyahu of provoking Palestinians and challenging the Islamic identity and status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

The developments have also renewed debate over archaeological excavations and construction projects around occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian officials and critics argue that such activities are aimed at strengthening Israeli control over the city, while Israel has said the archaeological works are connected to its historical and religious claims.

Political analyst Ahmed al-Hila told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s visit appeared to carry significant political and religious symbolism ahead of Israel’s October election, arguing that it could help reinforce his support among right-wing and religious voters.

The incidents come amid wider tensions surrounding Israeli settlement activity, including the controversial E1 project, which Palestinian officials say could further separate East Jerusalem from parts of the occupied West Bank.

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