More than 500 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy police protection

JERUSALEM — Over 500 illegal Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, according to Palestinian authorities.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate confirmed the incursion took place under the heavy protection of Israeli police forces, who were seen stationed inside the compound during the settler entry.

Eyewitnesses reported that the settlers intensified their provocations in the lead-up to the week-long Jewish Passover holiday, which begins on April 12.

The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said Al-Aqsa Mosque was stormed 21 times last month alone, coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Figures from the Jerusalem Governorate indicate that 13,064 settlers have illegally entered the compound in the first quarter of 2025.

Since 2003, Israeli authorities have allowed settlers to enter the mosque compound almost daily, except on Fridays and Saturdays, a policy widely condemned by Palestinians and much of the international community.

Israel captured East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa compound, in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and later annexed it in 1980 — a move not recognized by the international community. — Agencies