Expanded "prayer texts" at Al-Aqsa… and demolition continues in Jerusalem
Extremist Temple Mount groups have announced their release of expanded prayer texts for use during incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This marks a new step, reflecting the escalation of public religious rituals within its courtyards.
These extremist Temple Mount groups posted on their platforms, along with a photo of a rabbi with settlers storming Al-Aqsa and holding the "new versions of the prayer." They stated this action was the result of "continuous efforts." They also thanked Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the police leadership for their "support and assistance" in allowing these activities inside the mosque.
These developments occur amid rising demands from extremist Temple Mount groups and their ongoing attempts to create a new situation within the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This involves conducting prayers and religious rituals openly and collectively, as well as marking certain areas within the courtyards as designated points for these incursions, which restrict Muslims from approaching or entering these locations.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Jerusalem stated that the first allowed entry of religious texts into the Al-Aqsa Mosque occurred in January 2026. Following Ben-Gvir's request, Israeli police approved the entry of prayer materials, such as religious texts, written instructions, and letterheads with Temple Mount slogans. This change signified a move from restricted practices to more organized and public activities within the mosque.
Ben-Gvir has previously taken similar actions. The Wadi Hilweh Information Center reports that settlers' public religious rituals have grown from occasional attempts to organized daily practices in different mosque courtyards, all under police protection and initiated by him.
In August 2024, Ben-Gvir declared his plan to build a synagogue at that site, which since then has served as a daily and public prayer location for settlers.
In June 2025, following his lead, Jewish prayers were conducted openly and collectively in different areas of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, creating an unprecedented scene within its courtyards.
The expulsion of Palestinians from Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories of 1948 from the Al-Aqsa Mosque continues. Over the past four days, more than 15 Palestinians, including Sheikh Raed Salah and Sheikh Kamal Khatib from the 1948 territories, have been expelled. They were summoned for questioning at Nazareth's "Al-Qishla" police station and ordered to stay away from the mosque for a week, with the ban potentially extended for several months.
In a related development, demolitions are ongoing in Jerusalem. Brothers Tarek and Fadi Rajabi had to self-demolish their two shops in the Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan after receiving a demolition order from the occupation municipality. Each shop, covering 30 square meters, supported about 10 livelihoods. They were constructed in 2015.
The family stated they had to personally carry out the demolition to prevent the municipality from demolishing the entire building, even though there was no demolition order for the whole structure.
The Siam family was required to self-demolish two houses in the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood of Silwan following a final municipal decision, which gave them a three-week deadline. The buildings, covering about 140 square meters, have been standing for over 20 years. Waseem Siam, the homeowner, explained that he lives in one apartment with his family, while his mother resides in the other.
