Israelis perform religious rituals in Al-Aqsa

Three groups of Israelis have visited Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City protected by soldiers from the Israel Defence Forces. Al-Aqsa Foundation for Heritage and Waqf (Islamic endowment) has revealed that 130 Israelis toured the holy compound accompanied by rabbis and soldiers to perform religious rituals. The presence of the groups caused a state of tension with the several hundred Muslim students present in the mosque.

The Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock Mosque; it is the third holiest site in Islam and abuts the site where Jews believe the ancient Second Temple stood. Some far-right wingers in Israel propose building a Jewish temple on the sanctuary.

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The flashpoint site is under the custody of the Islamic endowment authorities and visits by Israeli extremists have been condemned roundly by Palestinian officials. Ultra-Orthodox Jews such as those belonging to Neturei Karta not only condemn the creation of the state of Israel but also say that Jewish texts forbid Jews from entering Al-Aqsa at any time in case they enter the “Holy of Holies” unknowingly.

Source: Humanitarian Voice