Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque with IDF protection

Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surrounding compound in Jerusalem, known as Haram al-Sharif to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews, is one of the world’s most sensitive religious sites. However, its significance making it a persistent flashpoint for conflict.

Hundreds of Israeli settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque today, 23 September, under heavy protection from Israeli occupation forces, marking the Hebrew New Year with rituals, singing, and dancing, while Palestinians were subjected to identity checks and blockades at the mosque gates:

Among those present was former Knesset member Rabbi Yehuda Glick, escorted by police and wearing religious attire, further intensifying the provocative nature of the incursion.

Al-Aqsa Mosque: Israeli settlers storm religious site

Yesterday, saw almost 300 extremist settlers storm the mosque in the morning, while another 120 entered in the afternoon. On Sunday, 21 September, settlers performed rituals and said prayers inside Al-Aqsa for US far right activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, who was recently shot and killed.

For Muslims, Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site after Mecca and Medina. It was the original direction for prayer before it was changed to Mecca, and the compound is also associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to heaven, making it a central spiritual symbol for Muslims worldwide. For Jews, the area is the holiest site, believed to be where the First and Second Jewish Temples once stood. The Western Wall, adjacent to the compound, remains a focus for Jewish prayer, while Jewish law traditionally restricts entry onto the Temple Mount itself, due to its sanctity.

The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, administered by Jordan, manages the site’s internal affairs, while Israeli forces control security. Muslims are allowed to worship freely, while non-Muslims – including Jewish visitors – can only enter during specifically designated hours and are not permitted to pray within the compound.

Far-right raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Recent years have seen far-right activists challenging these rules, pushing for increased Jewish access and even prayer, which has heightened tensions and political rhetoric in Jerusalem. Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to al-Aqsa in 2023 was the first by a senior cabinet minister since 2000, but these raids are now growing in frequency and scale, and many Palestinians view them as efforts to Judaize the compound and erase the Islamic heritage and sovereignty of the site.

The site’s unique status means any breach of protocol, such as collective prayer or ritual conducted by non-Muslims in the mosque’s courtyards, can provoke widespread anger and international condemnation, as it is seen as an attempt to alter the longstanding religious balance. In the past, incidents surrounding Al-Aqsa have triggered mass protests, diplomatic crises, and even armed clashes in and around Jerusalem.

Incursions intended to undermine Islamic and historical identity

In the wake of the latest incursion, Palestinian authorities have called on Jerusalemites and residents of occupied areas to mobilise in defense of Al-Aqsa. Regional leaders and countries like Qatar and Pakistan have, in the past, issued statements condemning what they describe as escalations designed to undermine the mosque’s Islamic and historical identity, emphasising that Al-Aqsa remains a ‘red line’ for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide.

Respecting established visiting arrangements, such as maintaining exclusive Muslim worship, ensuring respectful visits by non-Muslims during limited hours, and refraining from altering religious practices at the site, is critical to preserving Jerusalem’s fragile stability, Palestinian rights, and protecting the sanctity and heritage of one of the world’s most revered religious landmarks.

Feature image via screengrab.