Settlers storm Al-Aqsa

Scores of extremist settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem yesterday morning.

Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, director general of the Department of Islamic Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, said the settlers entered the site through the Mughrabi Gate under security protection from Israel Police.

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Al-Khatib said in an interview with the Petra news agency in Ramallah that the settlers had carried out provocative Talmudic rituals and tours of the courtyards.

Settler incursions of Al-Aqsa have increased in recent years with Israel providing security protection for those wishing to visit the Muslim site. A number of Muslim worshippers and Al-Aqsa guards have been jailed for protesting or trying to stop settlers entering the holy site.