Hundreds of Israelis storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
News Source
β’Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:13:05 +0000
π° What Happened
Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on the fifth day of Sukkot. They prayed and sang, which breaks the site's long-standing rules. About 700 Israelis, including a former lawmaker, went in under Israeli police guard. At the same time, Palestinian Muslims faced limits on entering the compound. Wafa news agency reported the restrictions.
π The Backstory
The compound is holy to Muslims, who call it al-Haram al-Sharif, and to Jews, who call it the Temple Mount. Under the old status quo, only Muslims may worship there, and a Muslim trust oversees the site. Israelis have entered more often during the Jewish holidays. On Tuesday, 966 Israelis entered through the Moroccan Gate. Sukkot runs from September 26 to October 2.
π― Why It Matters
The site is one of the most sensitive places in the world. Changes there can spark protests and violence far beyond Jerusalem, so people everywhere watch these events closely.
Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on the fifth day of Sukkot. They prayed and sang, which breaks the site's long-standing rules. About 700 Israelis, including a former lawmaker, went in under Israeli police guard. At the same time, Palestinian Muslims faced limits on entering the compound. Wafa news agency reported the restrictions.
The compound is holy to Muslims, who call it al-Haram al-Sharif, and to Jews, who call it the Temple Mount. Under the old status quo, only Muslims may worship there, and a Muslim trust oversees the site. Israelis have entered more often during the Jewish holidays. On Tuesday, 966 Israelis entered through the Moroccan Gate. Sukkot runs from September 26 to October 2.
The site is one of the most sensitive places in the world. Changes there can spark protests and violence far beyond Jerusalem, so people everywhere watch these events closely.