584 Israeli settlers enter Al-Aqsa compound in East Jerusalem under Israeli police escort
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584 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem under Israeli police escort and held Talmudic rituals in the courtyard, according to a Jerusalem Islamic Waqf official. The Waqf administration described the entry as a raid and said it violated Muslim sovereignty over the site. The entry occurred despite Israel's stated position that only Muslims may worship at the compound, while members of other religions may visit.
The Al-Aqsa Entry
An official from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Administration said 584 Jews entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem under Israeli police escort. The group performed Talmudic rituals and danced in the courtyard, according to the official. Israel first allowed Israelis to enter the compound in 2003, and the site has faced such entries every day except Fridays and Saturdays since then.
Custodianship and Status Quo
Under the 26 October 1994 peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Administration, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, holds custodianship of Al-Aqsa. Since 2003, Jews have entered without the Waqf's permission under Israel's unilateral policy, according to the administration. Israel says it preserves the historical status quo under which only Muslims may worship at the site, while members of other religions may visit.
Excavation Claims and Religious Opposition
Israelis are conducting excavations beneath the Al-Aqsa compound, which includes the Qibli Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, citing claimed remains of the Temple of Solomon. The Israeli government maintains the historical status quo is intact. However, the rituals performed during police-escorted entries are frequently captured on camera, and a majority of ultra-Orthodox Jewish rabbis in Israel say Jewish entry to Al-Aqsa is religiously forbidden.
What's Next
The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Administration is expected to continue documenting entries and may raise the issue with Jordanian and international bodies. It remains unclear whether Israeli authorities will restrict the police-escorted visits or alter the current practice.
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584 Israeli settlers enter Al-Aqsa compound in East Jerusalem under Israeli police escort
