Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Heightened Security on Final Day of Feast of Tabernacles

JERUSALEM: Settlers continued to make incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Buraq Wall on the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, leading to extensive closures around Jerusalem. The actions were marked by significant tensions as Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on Muslim worshippers. According to Maan News Agency, a total of 678 settlers, including senior rabbis and officials from various Temple Groups, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These groups performed public prayers, including prostrations, singing, and clapping, under the protection of occupation police. Restrictions were placed on Muslim worshippers, particularly the elderly, and young men and women, who were told to return to Al-Aqsa only after certain periods of the day. The occupation forces were visibly present within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa and along the path taken by the settlers. Elderly worshippers were specifically barred from staying in areas designated for the settlers' path. Additionally, checkpoints and forces were deploye d at the gates and roads leading to Al-Aqsa, with some main streets and intersections around the Old City, such as Bab Al-Asbat Road and Silwan, being closed off. At the Buraq Wall, hundreds of thousands of settlers gathered to perform prayers and raise vegetable offerings. The prayers, known as 'Hoshana Rabba,' were dedicated to Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip and soldiers stationed there. The Temple Groups have declared that this year's incursions were the most significant yet during the Feast of Tabernacles, and they have called for continued access to Al-Aqsa. As the 'Joy of the Torah' holiday approaches, there are calls from Temple Organizations and Groups for further incursions into Al-Aqsa. The day following this holiday marks the anniversary of the beginning of the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' battle, adding another layer of tension to the ongoing situation.