2,300 Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa as Ben-Gvir Enters on Tisha B’Av
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 23
2,300 Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa as Ben-Gvir Enters on Tisha B’Av
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 23
Summary
More than 2,300 Israeli settlers and far-right activists entered the Al-Aqsa compound within three hours on Thursday, with Palestinian officials saying the total could climb to 5,000 by sundown.
Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the incursion under heavy police protection as Israeli authorities tightened Old City checkpoints, barred many Palestinian worshippers and students, and reportedly allowed more than 1,000 Jews to pray at the site.
Palestinian officials said settlers performed Talmudic rituals including prostration, singing and prayer, breaching the 1967 status quo under which non-Muslims may visit but not pray at the compound.
Jordan called Ben-Gvir’s visit a desecration and unacceptable provocation, while Hamas warned the actions would backfire and Palestinian authorities said they reflected official backing for efforts to alter the site’s status.
Friday prayers could bring further confrontation, with Palestinian and Muslim officials warning that support from Likud figures signals a broader political push around one of Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy sites.
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Temple Mount on the Brink: How the July 2026 Crisis Shattered the Status Quo and Threatens Regional Stability
Overview
On July 23, 2026, more than 1,000 Jewish worshippers, including Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount compound, sharply escalating tensions at the site. This high-profile visit led to immediate condemnation from both Jordan and Palestinian officials. The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs called the event a dangerous escalation, claiming it aimed to alter the historical and legal status quo. They urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop these actions. These developments highlight how recent events have challenged the delicate balance at one of the world's most sensitive religious sites.