Israeli settlers have again stormed the courtyards of al-Aqsa mosque, on Tuesday, escorted by dozens of Israeli soldiers.Approximately 20 settlers broke into the mosque, through the Moroccan Gate, touring the courtyards before leaving, according to media official Mahmoud Abu Atta, of Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage.
Al Ray reports that Israeli police intensified their measures against Palestinians who came to al-Aqsa Mosque to pray, checking IDs and preventing summer students from entering the area.
Jewish settlers, often accompanied by Israeli security forces, have repeatedly forced their way into the Al-Aqsa complex in recent months, rousing anger in the community and leading to violent confrontations.
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the Dome of the Rock, the world’s third holiest site. For Jews, the area is regarded as the Temple Mount, believed to be the site of two prominent Jewish temples, in ancient times.
Advocates of the Israeli regime have gone so far as to suggest bombing the mosque, in order to make way for a third temple, whereas Western Christians remain divided on the issue, with regard to the literal or symbolic nature of a biblical prophecy which describes a third future temple in relation to the body of Christ.
Pope Francis, on his last day of a 3-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, recently called for allowing all believers free access to holy sites in Jerusalem.
