Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa mosque under Israeli police protection

Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, escorted by Israeli forces.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of settlers arrived in organised groups, toured the mosque’s courtyards and carried out Talmudic rituals under the protection of Israeli forces, Wafa reported.

Israeli authorities continued to enforce tight restrictions on Palestinian access to the site, limiting entry to the sanctuary as settlers carried out the visits.

The measures coincided with the fifth day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, during which Palestinian worshippers say Israeli forces have intensified restrictions around Al-Aqsa Mosque.