Pictures: 1097 settlers break into Al-Aqsa Mosque
Hundreds of settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday on the so-called anniversary of the “Destruction of the Temple”.
Firas Dibs, head of public relations and media at the Islamic Awqaf department, explained that 1097 settlers broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque (870 in the morning and 209 in the afternoon) in the form of consecutive groups through Dung Gate under the protection and heavy presence of Special Forces.
The occupation police increased their presence at Al-Aqsa gates and prevented several young men and women from entering while detaining the IDs of those who entered.
Settlers attempted to steal stones from Al-Aqsa and damage trees while other performed their prayers and religious rituals inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa.
Settlers also organized marches and prayers outside the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
On Tuesday night, hundreds of settlers organized a march in the streets of Jerusalem adjacent to the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. They raised and Israeli flags and blew their trumpets, and also gave several speeches in the area of Lions Gate. Afterwards, they stormed into the Old City and marched at Al-Aqsa gates and performed special rituals. They tried to raid the area of Al-Majles Gate but were confronted by young men. Settlers assaulted the locals in the area injuring one Jerusalemite man and his wife.
