Al-Quds, MINA – Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday, marking his second incursion within a single week.
Local sources reported that Ben-Gvir entered the compound on Sunday morning along with settlers, under the protection of heavily armed police. He also performed Talmudic rituals, Quds News reported.
On April 7, he also stormed the site during Israel’s closure of the Mosque to Palestinian worshippers.
According to reports, Ben-Gvir has stormed Al-Aqsa at least 16 times since taking office in 2023. These incursions, along with the performance of religious rituals in the Mosque courtyards, violate the long-standing status quo. This internationally recognized arrangement designates Al-Aqsa Mosque as an exclusive Islamic site, where only Muslims are permitted to worship.
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Ben-Gvir’s incursion came after Israel reopened the holy site on Thursday for the first time since the start of the Israeli-US attack on Iran on February 28.
Before the war against Iran, Israeli settlers typically stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque with police support twice daily, except on weekends, in small groups usually numbering fewer than 100.
The total closure of one of Islam’s holiest sites is unprecedented since the start of the occupation in 1967, raising concerns about Israel’s plans to impose further restrictions and tighten control over the compound.
No exceptions were made for Muslims, even during Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.
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Meanwhile, Israel allowed settler incursions into Islam’s third holiest site last Sunday. Up to 50 settlers were permitted to visit the Al-Buraq Wall, which is part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound’s wall and is known by Jews as the Western Wall.
The settlers attended traditional rituals as part of Passover celebrations, held in an enclosed space in the Western Wall plaza.
The Israeli occupation authorities have also resumed nearly daily attacks by Israeli settlers on Al-Aqsa since its reopening, while extending their duration.
They perform Talmudic rituals, pray, sing, and dance with military support.
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Before the war, such incursions occurred in two sessions on weekdays: from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Under a new schedule approved before the war against Iran, incursions now take place from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., totaling six and a half hours each day.
The Jerusalem Governorate described the extension as a “dangerous escalation” that increasingly undermines the status quo.
“This extension reflects an acceleration of efforts to impose a new reality at Al-Aqsa Mosque and to strengthen time-based divisions, particularly after its reopening following a 40-day closure,” it said.[]
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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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