The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem has once again faced repeated violations, as official reports revealed that illegal Israeli settlers carried out 27 intrusions in October alone. The data, released by the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, underscores the increasing frequency of these provocative acts that endanger one of Islam's holiest sites and deepen tensions across the region.According to the ministry's report, Israeli forces, alongside groups of settlers, stormed the mosque's courtyards, performing Talmudic rituals, religious dances, and even offering plant sacrifices. Such actions, conducted under heavy police protection, blatantly disregard the sanctity of the site and the sensitivities of the Muslim community worldwide.
The report also highlighted the growing role of Israel's far-right political figures in encouraging these violations. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister since 2022, has personally forced his way into the compound 13 times — 10 of which occurred after the onset of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023. His repeated intrusions have become a symbol of escalating extremism within the Israeli government.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered as the third-holiest site in Islam after Makkah and Madinah, holds deep religious and historical significance. For Muslims, it represents a sacred connection to Prophet Muhammad's night journey and ascension to heaven. However, Jewish extremists continue to refer to the area as the Temple Mount, claiming it was once home to two ancient temples — a claim used to justify these repeated incursions.
Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem dates back to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, after which it unilaterally annexed the city in 1980. This annexation has never been recognized by the international community, which still considers East Jerusalem an occupied territory.
The continued attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque not only violate international law but also inflame religious sensitivities, threatening to spark wider unrest. Muslim leaders and global organizations have repeatedly called for decisive action to protect the mosque and preserve its sanctity for future generations.
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