Mass Invasion During Holy Day
On Monday, a contingent of 686 Israeli settlers breached the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound located in occupied East Jerusalem. The incursions occurred during both morning and evening time slots, directly aligning with “Yom Kippur,” known as the Jewish Day of Atonement. According to a statement issued by the media office of the Jerusalem Municipality, these individuals entered the holy site through the Moroccan Gate. The entry was facilitated and protected by Israeli occupation forces.
The official report further specified that among the total number of invaders, 419 individuals gained access under the guise of tourism. This event took place immediately following a larger incursion on Sunday, where 992 settlers had previously entered the compound through the same gate during morning and evening periods, also shielded by Israeli troops.
Security Crackdown and Movement Restrictions
These invasions coincide with a significant escalation in Israeli security measures across Jerusalem. Since Sunday evening, authorities have closed several main streets and most checkpoints connecting the West Bank to the city. This has resulted in a dense deployment of Israeli forces throughout the area. The tightened restrictions severely disrupted the movement of Palestinians between the West Bank and Jerusalem, leaving some residents stranded in the West Bank unable to return to their homes in the city.
Tensions remained high in the southern neighborhoods surrounding the compound. During the incursions into Silwan village, south of Al-Aqsa, occupation forces deployed tear gas canisters against the local population. Visual evidence from the ground confirmed the use of these agents as soldiers moved through the area.
Context of Religious Observance and Historical Precedent
Yom Kippur, regarded as the holiest day in the Jewish faith, began on Sunday evening and concluded on Monday evening. During this period, religious Jews observe a strict fast and abstain from various daily activities. Consequently, broad sectors of society halt operations, transportation networks face extensive limitations, airport flights are suspended, and land border crossings remain closed for varying durations.
In the days leading up to the holiday, the Jerusalem Municipality had warned of an increase in activities by Jewish groups around the Al-Aqsa perimeter, particularly prior to Yom Kippur. Authorities expressed concern over attempts to impose new religious rituals in the vicinity. Since 2003, the Israeli police have unilaterally permitted settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Despite repeated demands from the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem to halt these visits, Israeli authorities have not complied with calls to stop the incursions.
