Israeli authorities arrested four guards at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during a search raid on Saturday night. The incident occurred within the compound's old prayer hall, further escalating tensions in the holy site.


The Jerusalem Governorate, linked to the Palestinian Authority, identified the detained guards as Mohammad Arbash, Ramzi Al-Zaanin, Basem Abu Juma, and Iyad Odeh. Several other guards and a firefighter were also interrogated on-site by Israeli forces, according to Wafa news agency.

Just after midnight on Saturday, Israeli forces stormed the old prayer hall at Al-Aqsa, a subterranean area beneath the Qibli Mosque. They reportedly damaged its contents after breaking into storage cabinets and searching the premises.

The Jerusalem Governorate stated that this latest Israeli action is part of ongoing efforts to assert control over the mosque's administration. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem.


Following less than a week of complete closure under a state of emergency related to the ongoing conflict with Iran, the Al-Aqsa Mosque was recently reopened by Israeli authorities. Palestinian and other Muslim worshippers are now permitted to enter, but under strict regulations.

This event underscores the persistent volatility surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site of immense religious and political significance. The actions by Israeli authorities are likely to draw further international scrutiny and reactions.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2605405/middle-east