RAMALLAH – Dozens of Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque Sunday in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) in the central West Bank under protection of Israeli occupation forces.
Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that groups of settlers entered Al-Aqsa through Maghariba Gate, carried out provocative tours in its courtyards, performed Talmudic rituals and staged provocative dances in Bab al-Rahma area and other parts of the Mosque.
Occupation troops imposed strict restrictions on worshippers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosuqe during the incursion. Israeli troops thoroughly checked the IDs of those entering and confiscated some at the outer gates of the Mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque is expected to face further settler aggression during September and October, coinciding with Jewish holidays, when settlers are likely to intensify their incursions and attempt to impose new Judaization rituals inside the Mosque.
In a related development, Israeli occupation forces raided the village of Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah, with several military vehicles, firing tear gas and stun grenades.
Earlier this morning, the forces had set up a military checkpoint at the entrance to the village, stopping and searching Palestinian vehicles, which caused a severe traffic jam.
Israeli occupation forces also stormed the village of Beita, south of Nablus, where snipers climbed onto rooftops, raided a number of houses, searched them, ransacked their contents and caused extensive damage. No arrests were reported.
