The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem has revealed that more than 53,000 extremist settlers stormed the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque over the past year, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.
These frequent raids are part of Israel’s ongoing disregard for religious sites in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Waqf said.
In 2023, over 48,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, following similar events in 2022 (48,000) and 2021 (35,000). Israel authorized such actions in 2003, despite protests from the Islamic Endowments Department. Israeli raids on the mosque occur daily, with heightened activity during Jewish holidays, but avoid Fridays and Saturdays.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in East Jerusalem’s Old City, is the third holiest site in Islam and the most sacred for Jews. Israel annexed East Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, after the 1967 Middle East war, raising tensions over the contested territory.
Since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have imposed strict entry restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially on Fridays. Barriers have been installed at the Old City entrances and mosque gates, allowing only elderly individuals to enter.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military campaign against the Gaza Strip has resulted in over 45,541 deaths and 108,338 injuries as of early January 2024.
The offensive has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, exacerbating a dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation remains tense, with civilian suffering continuing to mount as the conflict persists. (With Agencies Inputs)
