More than 1,700 Israeli settlers defiled the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday under heavy Israeli police protection, as incursions intensified during the Jewish Sukkot holiday.

Local sources reported that 1,731 settlers defiled the mosque compound in successive groups on the third day of Sukkot. Among those taking part were Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to Palestinian sources.

The settlers entered through the Maghariba Gate and carried out religious rituals and prayers in different areas of the compound, according to the Jerusalem Governorate. Palestinian sources also reported singing, dancing and the carrying of what settlers describe as plant offerings during the incursions.

Ben-Gvir, who is known for his calls for greater Israeli control over the site, publicly prayed at the compound. Israeli media reported that he called for Israeli sovereignty over the area, which Jews refer to as the Temple Mount.

The repeated incursions have drawn strong Palestinian condemnation. The Palestine Liberation Organization’s Jerusalem Affairs Department described the participation of senior Israeli ministers as an escalation that threatens the existing historical and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa. It called for international action to protect the status of the Islamic holy site.

The incursions took place amid heightened Israeli security measures around the Old City and the Al-Aqsa compound.

Local sources reported that Israeli authorities closed roads leading to the Old City and Al-Aqsa and later closed the Maghariba Gate after the latest group of settlers entered the compound. Palestinian sources said the measures restricted the movement of Jerusalem residents and Muslim worshippers.

Anadolu Agency also reported that dozens of Palestinian shopkeepers in the Old City were ordered to close their businesses to facilitate Jewish prayers during Sukkot.

The restrictions have added to Palestinian concerns over what they describe as attempts to change the longstanding arrangements governing access and worship at Al-Aqsa.

The compound is one of Islam’s holiest sites and a major symbol of Palestinian national and religious identity. Under the longstanding status quo, Muslims pray at the site, while non-Muslim visitors may enter under specific arrangements but are not permitted to conduct religious rituals there.

Monday’s events followed the entry of around 1,500 settlers and rabbis into the compound on Sunday, when Palestinian sources reported prayers, rituals, singing, dancing and the carrying of plant offerings.

According to figures cited by the Jerusalem Governorate, more than 40,000 Israeli settlers had entered the Al-Aqsa compound between the beginning of 2026 and the end of August. The governorate also said around 800 orders had been issued banning Jerusalem residents from entering the mosque during the same period.

Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned that the increasing presence of Israeli ministers and settlers at Al-Aqsa, particularly during Jewish holidays, risks further altering the existing arrangements at the site and escalating religious and political tensions in Jerusalem.

The latest incursions come as Sukkot, which began on Sept. 26, continues through Oct. 2, with Palestinian officials warning that further large-scale gatherings could increase tensions around Al-Aqsa. (ILKHA)