Israeli Settlers Enter Al-Aqsa Mosque for Shavuot
(MENAFN) On Monday, a large number of unauthorized Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, which remains under Israeli occupation.
The incursion took place as part of the Jewish festival of Shavuot, according to a report issued by a Palestinian institution.
The Islamic Endowment Department in Jerusalem confirmed in an official statement that upwards of 500 settlers accessed the revered religious site in organized groups, while being shielded by Israeli security personnel.
As reported by eyewitnesses to a Turkish news agency, the settlers made their way into the sensitive location through the Al-Mugharbah Gate, situated on the western side of the compound.
According Palestinian state-run news outlet, these unauthorized individuals carried out what were described as inflammatory "Talmudic rituals" near the mosque's entrances in observance of the Shavuot celebration, which is also referred to as the Feast of Weeks.
Since 2003, Israeli authorities have permitted such settler visits to the contested area almost daily, with the exception of the weekly observances on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque holds the distinction of being the third-most sacred site in Islam.
However, Jewish worshippers refer to the site as the "Temple Mount," asserting it was historically home to two ancient Jewish temples.
East Jerusalem, the location of the Al-Aqsa compound, was seized by Israel during the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1967.
The state later declared the full annexation of the city in 1980—a decision that has not been acknowledged by the broader international community.
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