At least 200 Jewish settlers have once again rampaged through the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem under the protection of Israeli forces. During the incident, they engaged in prayers and performed provocative religious rituals. The Palestinian news agency Wafa confirmed this information.
Wafa’s report stated that the settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy security provided by Israeli troops and performed various religious rites.
Under the status quo arrangement in effect since 1967, non-Muslims are not permitted to pray within the Al-Aqsa compound, although Jews are allowed to visit the site.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is situated on a plateau in occupied East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later declared the annexation of the territory; however, the international community has not recognized this annexation.
For Muslims, the Al-Aqsa compound is the third holiest site in Islam; it houses the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to Islamic belief, it was from this location that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended to the heavens during the Night of Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj).
Conversely, for followers of Judaism, the same site is known as the Temple Mount and is considered their holiest place. They believe that the ancient Temple of Jerusalem once stood there.
