Israeli Settlers Continue Breaking into Al-Aqsa Amid Fears of Far-Right Extremism Rise

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Scores of Israeli settler fanatics guarded by police today broke into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, according to witnesses.

The Jordan-run Islamic Waqf Department, in charge of the holy site, said scores of Israeli settlers entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate in groups and performed rituals and Talmudic prayers there under the protection of Israeli police officers.

Since 2003, the Israeli occupation authorities have been allowing settlers into the compound almost on a daily basis, with the exclusion of Friday, the Muslim day of rest and worship.

The Islamic Waqf has repeatedly described the settlers' presence in Al-Aqsa Mosque as provocative, saying that Palestinian worshippers and guards at Al-Aqsa feel uncomfortable with the presence of Israeli police and settlers touring the Islamic holy site.

Israel captured East Jerusalem al-Quds, where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, during the Six-Day War in 1967 in a move never recognized by the international community.

The intrusions come as observers have raised worries about the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque after the far-right’s victory in recent elections of the Israeli regime.

Source: WAFA News Agency