Palestine Records 23 Israeli Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al Aqsa Mosque/ILUSTRASI UNSPLASH/nour tayeh

JAKARTA - The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf and Religious Affairs said that Israeli authorities continued to commit violations against Muslim and Christian holy sites throughout May, recording 23 attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and 74 prohibitions on prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.

According to the ministry's monthly report, Israeli forces also imposed tighter access restrictions to Al-Aqsa Mosque, banning a large number of Palestinians from praying there.

It was reported that thousands of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate in the morning and afternoon, escorted by the police.

The largest attack was recorded on May 14, coinciding with "Jerusalem Day", when more than 1,400 settlers, including ministers, Knesset members, and other extremist figures, entered the site.

The ministry noted that extremist groups Templeterus are rallying support to more intensively enter the mosque complex and encourage policies aimed at placing the mosque complex under Israeli sovereignty.

The report also noted an increase in the activities and religious rituals carried out by settlers in the courtyard of the mosque, including congregational prayers, singing, dancing, and waving Israeli flags.

According to him, in the midst of the tight restrictions of the Zionists, tens of thousands of Palestinians attended Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while about 140,000 worshipers performed Eid al-Adha prayers there.

Regarding the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, the ministry noted the arrival of 425 Israeli soldiers to the mosque complex throughout May.

His party also reported access restrictions that are still occurring, including the closure of a number of mosque spaces, obstacles faced by staff and worshipers, delays in the call to prayer, and routine checks on visitors.