Israeli Presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound Increases During Sukkot

Israeli raids at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have intensified during the Jewish holiday season. On the fifth day of Sukkot, hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. Reports indicate that while Israelis performed Jewish religious rituals and sang, restrictions on the entry of Palestinian Muslims continued, according to Palestine’s Wafa news agency, which cited the Jerusalem governorate. The Islamic Waqf Department stated that approximately 700 Israelis, including former lawmaker Moshe Feiglin, entered the compound under the protection of Israeli police. The historical status quo dictates that the Waqf department has exclusive responsibility for administering the compound, known as al-Haram al-Sharif to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews, as a place of worship for Muslims only. The Jerusalem governorate reported that Israeli authorities closed the road leading to the Lions’ Gate area and the entrance to al-Turba Road to facilitate access for Israelis to the Western Wall. Israeli entries into the Al-Aqsa compound have been frequent since the beginning of the Jewish holidays earlier this month. On Tuesday, 966 Israelis entered the compound through the Moroccan Gate, accompanied by Israeli police, performing Talmudic rituals and singing in the mosque’s courtyards. The Jewish holidays commenced with the New Year on September 12 and 13, followed by Yom Kippur on the 21st and 22nd. Sukkot is observed from September 26 to October 2, with Simchat Torah celebrations scheduled for October 3.