Israeli settlers entered the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem early Tuesday, escorted by Israeli police, Wafa reported.
The settlers reportedly moved in groups, toured the compound in what local sources described as a provocative display.
Among those present was far-right rabbi Shimshon Alboim, who leads a group advocating for the mosque’s demolition to build a Jewish temple.
Witnesses said Israeli police imposed tight restrictions on Palestinian worshippers at the mosque, seizing identity cards at the gates and limiting access.
The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf confirmed that extremist “Temple Groups” have launched a petition urging far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to allow settlers unrestricted access to Al-Aqsa Mosque on 26 May, the so-called “Jerusalem Day”.
The date marks Israel’s 1967 capture and occupation of East Jerusalem, which far-right Israelis celebrate with nationalist marches through Palestinian neighbourhoods. Critics denounce the event as a provocative assertion of occupation, citing the forced displacement of Palestinians.
