Thousands of Israelis Enter Al-Aqsa Compound to Mark Tisha B'Av

Over 1,300 Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday morning to mark the Jewish holiday of Tisha B'Av, according to the Jerusalem Governorate. Israeli police reportedly increased the number of participants allowed in each group to around 150 people.

Authorities stated that Israeli forces imposed strict restrictions at the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Old City. Large numbers of Israeli forces were deployed in the mosque's courtyard, allegedly preventing Palestinians from entering for morning prayers. The statement claimed Israeli forces attacked several worshippers and residents.

During their visit, Israeli visitors reportedly performed Talmudic rituals, including wearing tefillin, prostrating in the eastern part of the complex, and chanting loudly. Groups supporting the construction of a Jewish temple on the site had organized to bring an estimated 5,000 Israelis to the compound on the same day.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third holiest site in Islam, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it was the site of two ancient Jewish temples. Israel has occupied East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque area, since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and annexed the entire city in 1980, a move not recognized internationally.