Palestine Records 23 Israeli Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Ramallah (ANTARA) - The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf and Religious Affairs stated that Israeli authorities continued to violate Islamic and Christian holy sites throughout May, recording 23 attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and 74 instances of prayer bans at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. According to the ministry’s monthly report, Israeli forces also imposed stricter access restrictions to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing a large number of Palestinians from praying there.

It was further reported that thousands of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex through the Morocco Gate during the morning and afternoon under heavy police escort. The largest incursion was recorded on 14 May, coinciding with ‘Jerusalem Day’, when more than 1,400 settlers, including ministers, Knesset members, and other extremist figures, entered the site.

The ministry noted that Temple extremist groups continue to mobilise support for more intensive entries into the mosque complex and are pushing for policies aimed at placing the mosque complex under Israeli sovereignty. The report also noted an increase in religious activities and rituals performed by settlers within the mosque courtyard, including congregational prayers, singing, dancing, and the waving of Israeli flags.

Despite the strict Zionist restrictions, tens of thousands of Palestinians attended Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while approximately 140,000 worshippers performed Eid al-Adha prayers there. Regarding the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, the ministry recorded the arrival of 425 Israeli soldiers at the mosque complex throughout May. It also reported ongoing access restrictions, including the closure of several mosque halls, obstacles faced by staff and worshippers, delays in the call to prayer (adhan), and routine inspections of visitors.