Israeli settlers have defaced stones in the eastern courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque by painting the so-called "Messiah" symbol, in as a dangerous provocation aimed at advancing the Judaization of Islam's third-holiest site and undermining its historic and religious identity.

The Jerusalem Governorate condemned the act, warning that it forms part of an escalating campaign by extremist settler groups seeking to alter the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Officials said Temple groups have also called for a large-scale settler incursion into the mosque's courtyards next Thursday to coincide with what they refer to as the anniversary of the destruction of the Temple.

According to Palestinian officials, the "Messiah" emblem is closely linked to extremist movements advocating the construction of a so-called Third Temple on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The symbol has become increasingly prominent in recent months, appearing on the uniforms of Israeli occupation soldiers and military vehicles during Israel's military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, further fueling Palestinian concerns over attempts to impose ideological and religious claims by force.

Jerusalem-based sources reported that more than 1,489 Israeli settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque over the past week under heavy protection from Israeli occupation police and special forces.

The incursions took place amid a sharp escalation in settler activity and systematic efforts to impose a new reality inside the mosque compound through repeated raids and provocative religious rituals carried out under armed protection.

Settlers continue to enter the mosque compound in organized groups through the Maghariba Gate, the only entrance controlled exclusively by Israeli occupation authorities since East Jerusalem was occupied in 1967.

While settlers are granted access under armed escort, Israeli occupation police continue to tighten restrictions on Palestinian worshippers seeking to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Palestinians have long accused Israeli authorities of facilitating settler incursions while simultaneously limiting Muslim access through checkpoints, identity inspections, age restrictions, and periodic closures of the holy site.

Palestinian officials and religious authorities have repeatedly warned that the growing frequency of settler raids, coupled with symbolic acts such as the painting of the "Messiah" emblem, represents a deliberate attempt to alter the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque and accelerate the Judaization of occupied Jerusalem.

They have called on the international community and Islamic institutions to take urgent action to protect the holy site, halt settler provocations, and uphold international law, which recognizes East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, as occupied Palestinian territory. (ILKHA)

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