Israeli settlers and members of far-right organizations conducted a large-scale entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday to observe Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of mourning commemorating the destruction of an ancient Jewish temple believed to have occupied the same location. Palestinian authorities reported that more than 2,300 Israelis accessed the site during a three-hour period, with projections suggesting the total could reach approximately 5,000 by sundown, potentially exceeding numbers from previous years during the same observance.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the compound under heavy police protection, characterizing the visit as reflecting Jewish ownership of the site and describing developments there as “tremendous progress.” Palestinian officials characterized his participation as a dangerous escalation, noting that his presence represented official endorsement of actions previously associated with groups advocating for the reconstruction of a Jewish temple at the location. According to reports, Israeli police permitted over 1,000 Israelis to conduct prayers at the site, which violated a 1967 agreement prohibiting non-Muslims from praying at the location, though visits by non-Muslims are permitted.
Palestinian authorities documented restrictions imposed by Israeli forces, including barred entry for large numbers of Palestinian worshippers and students, tightened checkpoints throughout the Old City, and alleged assaults on some worshippers. Hamas issued a warning that such actions would produce negative consequences for Israeli occupation forces and settlers. Jordan’s foreign ministry condemned the visit as a desecration and violation of the site’s historical and legal status quo, urging international pressure on Israel to cease activities at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Analysts noted that the participation of figures from Israel’s ruling Likud party represented a significant political shift, with temple reconstruction proposals now openly endorsed by key government officials. Concerns were raised that planned incursions continuing into the following day could trigger further confrontations, particularly given expected large gatherings for Friday prayers at the compound.
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