Scores of Israeli settlers stormed Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday under police escort, the Palestinian Authority’s official Wafa news agency reported.
More than 200 settlers entered the compound and performed Jewish rituals in front of the Bab al-Qattanin gate, a source at the Islamic Endowments Department told The New Arab’s Arabic-language sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. The settlers were led by far-right extremist rabbi Yehuda Glick.
Settlers also provocatively marched through Palestinian neighbourhoods near to the mosque.
Jewish extremists have increasingly tried to storm the mosque in recent months, performing provocative religious rites there in violation of a long-standing status quo, which while allowing non-Muslims to visit the site, only permits Muslim prayer there.
Some Jewish extremist movements aim to destroy the mosque and "rebuild" an ancient Jewish temple that they believe existed on its site in ancient times. Others want Muslims and Jews to share the site.
On Monday, more than 1,000 Israeli settlers stormed the site in several waves, according to the Islamic Endowments Department.
PA spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said on Tuesday that the constant raids are creating a dangerous situation in area, which could have huge repercussions.