Sixty Israeli soldiers have entered Al-Aqsa Mosque wearing their uniforms in what is being seen as an attempt to strengthen a Jewish presence in the sacred Islamic site. According to Al-Aqsa Foundation for Religious Endowments and Islamic Heritage, the all-female group of soldiers was protected by security officers and entered the mosque compound from Al-Magharbeh Gate.
The foundation’s statement said that regular incursions such as this are meant to impose a division in time and place for Jews and Muslims to worship in the mosque. Describing the latest incursion as “illegal”, the foundation said that it breaches international laws and conventions which guarantee protection for places of worship under occupation.