Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem as Ramadan approaches
Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem as Ramadan approaches
More than 200 Israeli settlers marched through the third holiest site in Islam, and a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, days before the Muslim month of Ramadan.
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Israeli settlers often intimidate and attack Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque [Getty]
More than 200Ìý settlers stormed the courtyard of the holy in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday, according to local Palestinian media, days before the start of Ramadan.
Ìýchanted racist slogans at the site, considered to be the third holiestÌýin Islam, amid a heavyÌýIsraeli security presence.
202 مستوطناً اقتØموا المسجد الأقصى المبارك اليوم
— AlQastal القسطل (@AlQastalps)
The attacks come as Israeli forces prevented Directorate of the Reconstruction of the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque employees from hanging signs around the mosque to mark the holy month ofÌý, which is due to start on Sunday.
typically gather in their hundreds to perform prayers at Al-AqsaÌýduring Ramadan,Ìýas well as break their fast and spend time around the neighbouring Ìýduring the evenings.
Israeli forces have set checkpoints at the Wadi Al-Rababa junction in the town of Silwan, which is located south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and searched cars and checkedÌýpeople's IDs.
The deputy head of political bureau, Saleh Al-Aouri, told Israel not to use violence or provocations against PalestiniansÌýat Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem during Ramadan,Ìýin a televised interview on Monday.
He also warned of "comprehensive confrontation"Ìýif Israeli forces - who occupy the West Bank and East Jerusalem - "persist in their aggression".
"The next confrontation with the occupation will be of a broader popular and official scope, and will constitute a turning point in the history of the conflict,"Ìýhe added.
Israel launched a brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and prayer gatherings in Jerusalem last Ramadan, including Al-Aqsa Mosque resulting in Hamas firing rockets into Israel.
An Israeli bombardment of Gaza - which Hamas runs - led to 250 Palestinians being killed including dozens of children.
invaded the West Bank in 1967, and has occupied it ever since.ÌýPalestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank are often at the receiving end of intimidation and violence from Israeli forces and Jewish settlers.
Palestinians are routinely banned from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque, while far-right Israeli activists and settlersÌýare also allowed to march and attack Palestinians, often without consequences.
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