Extremist Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem early Monday morning, desecrating one of Islam’s holiest sites and igniting widespread Palestinian outrage.

Eyewitnesses reported that the settlers blew the shofar—a Jewish ritual horn explicitly banned within Islamic holy sites—and performed Talmudic rituals in the mosque’s courtyard, actions seen as a direct assault on the sanctity of the Haram al-Sharif.

Palestinian worshippers faced severe restrictions during the raid, with many denied access to their sacred place of worship. Israeli forces, stationed heavily at the compound’s entrances, barred Muslims from entering, further escalating tensions in the already volatile city. The incursion, described by Palestinian authorities as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Islamic character of Al-Aqsa, has drawn sharp condemnation from local leaders and residents.

“This is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign by Israeli settlers to assert dominance over Al-Aqsa Mosque,” said a Palestinian official. “These daily raids, conducted under the protection of Israeli forces, aim to alter the historical and religious status of the Haram al-Sharif. The silence of the international community only emboldens these violations.”

Al-Aqsa Mosque, revered as the third holiest site in Islam, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Palestinian leaders have long warned that such settler incursions are part of a broader Israeli strategy to erode the Islamic presence in Jerusalem, threatening the cultural and religious heritage of Palestinians. The blowing of the shofar and performance of non-Islamic rituals in the mosque’s courtyard were described as flagrant acts of disrespect, intended to provoke and destabilize.

“This is a direct attack on our faith, our identity, and our existence,” said a Palestinian worshipper at the scene. “Al-Aqsa is the heart of our community, and we will defend it with every ounce of our strength. We call on the Muslim world and all who value justice to stand with us against this aggression.”

Religious authorities in Jerusalem echoed these sentiments, urging immediate international intervention to protect Al-Aqsa and other Islamic sanctities from further desecration. They pointed to the growing extremism among Israeli settlers, often backed by Israeli authorities, as a dangerous escalation that risks further inflaming tensions across the region.

The raid comes amid increasing concerns over Israel’s systematic encroachment on Palestinian religious sites, with Al-Aqsa Mosque serving as a flashpoint for broader struggles over control of Jerusalem. Palestinian leaders called for global solidarity, urging governments and organizations to pressure Israel to halt these violations and uphold the historical status quo of the Haram al-Sharif.

As outrage spreads, Palestinians remain steadfast in their resolve to protect Al-Aqsa, vowing to resist any attempts to undermine their sacred sites. “We will not allow our mosque to be desecrated,” said a local resident. “Al-Aqsa belongs to the Muslim ummah, and we will defend it at all costs.” (ILKHA)(lLKHA)