New Israeli settler groups stormed Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magharibeh gate escorted by Israeli police and Special Forces.
Israeli policemen were deployed in large numbers in the compound to pave the way for the settlers’ break-in.
Some settlers tried to perform Talmudic rituals in clear provocation to Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer in protest against the settlers’ presence.
On the other hand Israeli police continued to prevent a number of Jerusalemite women from having access to al-Aqsa for allegedly being involved in protests against settlers’ presence in the holy shrine.
Tension remained high in and around al-Aqsa Mosque since early October 2015 after Israeli police repeatedly stormed the site and restricted Palestinians’ access into it while allowing large numbers of settlers to access the holy site under heavy protection.
