Israeli settler 'disguised as a Muslim' attempts to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque
The settler's attempt to enter the holy site, which was obstructed by Palestinian passersby, came as Israel increased its aggression on Palestinian worshipers in Al-Aqsa mosque and the occupied West Bank.
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Jewish extremists often enter the Al-Aqsa compound to intimidate and harass Palestinian worshippers [Getty]
An Israeli settler has tried to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Saturday but his attempt was thwarted by a group of Palestinians, according to reports by The New Arab's Arabic-language service Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The settler disguised himself as a worshipper by sporting a thobe or a dishdasha - traditionally worn by Muslim and Palestinian men - and was also carrying a rug resembling a prayer mat, according to a video which circulated online.
Palestinian men can be seen in the video blocking the settler’s way at the Majlis Gate, which is one the mosque's main doors. They can be seen gathered around the Israeli settler, asking: "Is he a Sheikh? You are a settler!"
عاجل| مصادر محلية: " ضبط مستوطن وهو يحاول الدخول إلى المسجد الأقصى متنكراً بزي إسلامي" pic.twitter.com/wWmCTn48ey
— الجرمق الإخباري (@aljarmaqnet) April 16, 2022
Israeli occupation police can also be seen in the video protecting the settler and escorting him away.
A similar incident which was also foiled occurred earlier on the same day, when a settler tried to enter the mosque from the Bab Al-Asbat, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Palestinians in Jerusalem have issued calls for tighter security as similar incidents are feared to increase as the Jewish holiday of Passover begins on Sunday, reported the Palestinian Shehab News Agency.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has witnessed intense violence since Friday, when Israeli forces stormed the religious site in a pre-dawn raid, injuring at least 150 Palestinians, eight of whom were in intensive care.
Israeli occupation forces also fired stunt grenades, tear gas and live rounds, and arrested around 400 Palestinians.
The attacks came as Palestinian Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan, where increased prayer is common. Palestinians also use the compound as a gathering spot during the month, especially after breaking their fast.
The violence was decried by the Palestinian presidency, which slammed it as a "declaration of war".
Israel invaded the West Bank in 1967 and has illegally occupied it since. Israeli forces and settlers often subject Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank to violence and harassment.
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