Thousands of Israeli settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday under Israeli security forces’ protection, performing religious rituals that Palestinians view as provocative.
Local observers documented large crowds of settlers within the compound, with one woman raising an Israeli flag during the incursion. Video footage showed thousands more gathered at the Western Wall plaza adjacent to the site.
An Israeli Jewish settler attempts to break into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, bringing in Torah-related items to perform Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.
The mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is considered the third holiest place of worship for… pic.twitter.com/cC4gi5O2qD
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2025
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the compound accompanied by Negev and Galilee Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and members of the Otzma Yehudit party, including Knesset Member Yitzhak Kroiz and Rabbi Yehuda Kroiz.
The Israeli minister of national security Itamar Ben Gavir storms Al Aqsa mosque. pic.twitter.com/W4TuR2AK1p
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) May 26, 2025
Meanwhile, the occupation established security barriers around Damascus Gate and throughout the Old City, restricting Palestinian residents’ movement amid heightened military presence.
In a display of support for Israel, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, performs rituals at the Al-Buraq Wall, the western wall overlooking Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/yXGU9U7ZnF
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2025
These incidents come after increasing settler visits and confrontations with worshippers in recent days, with settler groups encouraging larger turnouts for Monday’s activities.
The annual “Flag March,” set to proceed from Al-Buraq Square through Damascus Gate and the Al-Wad neighborhood—areas with significant Palestinian populations—marks what Israelis call “Jerusalem Unification Day.”
The Flag March, also known as the “Flag Dance,” is one of the most prominent manifestations of the Judaization policies of Jerusalem. It is an annual event attended by tens of thousands of settlers and right-wing Israelis.
A group of Israeli Jewish settlers under police cover break into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, in violation of the sanctity of the holy site.
The mosque is the third holiest place of worship for millions of Muslims worldwide after Mecca and Medina. pic.twitter.com/tcgE4RQ35D
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 26, 2025
It takes place on the 28th of the eighth month according to the Hebrew calendar, which falls on Monday. This day is known in the Zionist entity as “Jerusalem Unification Day,” which commemorates Israel’s control of Jerusalem and its occupation of its eastern part during the June 1967 war, known in the Arab world as the “Naksa.”
Dances, songs, and prayers of the settlers whilst breaking into Al Aqsa mosque. pic.twitter.com/cEvGsJ8Izb
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) May 26, 2025
Source: Agencies (edited and translated by Al-Manar English Website)
