A total of 458 Israeli settlers defiled the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday morning through the Moroccan Gate, under heavy protection from Israeli forces, according to Palestinian sources.

The latest incursions came as tensions remained elevated around the holy site during the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday.

On Sunday, hundreds of Israeli settlers, accompanied by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, also entered the Al-Aqsa compound under extensive Israeli security protection. Palestinian sources said rituals associated with Jewish religious practice were performed in the eastern section of the compound.

The repeated entries have drawn concern from Palestinian officials and religious authorities, who regard Al-Aqsa as a central Islamic holy site and have repeatedly warned against actions they say could undermine its established arrangements and status quo.

Media restrictions reported around Al-Aqsa

The Jerusalem Governorate said Israeli forces had imposed what it described as a broad media blackout on developments inside the Al-Aqsa compound as the second day of Yom Kippur began.

According to the governorate, restrictions were also imposed on transportation and work across Jerusalem, while institutions and businesses were subject to a comprehensive closure during the holiday.

The governorate said movement restrictions had further affected Palestinians seeking to travel through parts of the city.

Palestinian authorities have repeatedly criticized Israeli restrictions around Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem, saying they impede access to the holy site and affect the daily lives of Palestinian residents.

Rising tensions around the holy site

Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, has remained a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestinian officials and religious authorities have repeatedly warned that increased settler visits, the presence of Israeli officials and restrictions on Palestinian access could further heighten tensions around the compound.

Israel supposedly maintains security control over access to the site, while the Islamic Waqf, under Jordanian custodianship, administers religious affairs within the compound.

The latest developments come amid continued Palestinian concerns over what they describe as growing pressure on the historic arrangements governing access and worship at Al-Aqsa. (ILKHA)