Israeli Police Protect Settlers During Al-Aqsa Incursion as Restrictions Tighten on Palestinians

Israeli police provided protection for around 1,500 Israeli settlers who entered the compound of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Authority’s al-Quds Governorate. The settlers entered the compound in groups through the Mughrabi Gate before Israeli authorities closed the entrance, while Palestinians faced heightened restrictions around the mosque and across the Old City. The governorate said it had recorded around 40,661 settler incursions into al-Aqsa between January and the end of August.

The settlers reportedly performed rituals inside the compound as Israeli forces imposed restrictions around the holy site. Hamas condemned the incursions and restrictions, saying they would not alter what it described as the Islamic identity of al-Quds and al-Aqsa Mosque. The movement also cited activity around Bab al-Qattanin and the mosque’s courtyards, including visits by Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Knesset member Amit Halevi and other Israeli officials and settlers.

The Arab League also condemned what it described as an escalation of Israeli measures across the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds. Its General Secretariat criticized military measures, closures and restrictions on Palestinian movement, and warned against attempts to change the longstanding status quo at al-Aqsa Mosque.