Jewish Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
"Some 27 settlers stormed the compound from the Magharba gate under Israeli police protection," a mosque guard told Anadolu Agency, requesting anonymity.
According to the guard, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian worshipper inside the mosque compound.
Israeli officials could not be reached for comment.
In recent months, groups of extremist Jewish settlers, often accompanied by Israeli security forces, have stepped up their intrusions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, the world's third holiest site for Muslims.
The frequent violations anger Palestinian Muslims and occasionally lead to violent confrontations.
Jews refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two prominent Jewish temples in ancient times.
In September 2000, a visit to the site by then controversial Israeli politician Ariel Sharon triggered what later became known as the "Second Intifada" – a popular uprising in which thousands of Palestinians were killed and injured.
Israel occupied Al-Quds during the 1967 Middle East War. It later annexed the holy city in 1980, claiming it as the capital of the self-proclaimed Jewish state.
Source: Turkish Press
