A group of Israeli settlers stormed Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque via the Israeli-controlled al-Magharibeh gate escorted by heavily-armed police forces.
The Islamic Awqaf Department affirmed that 27 settlers stormed the holy site early today.
Israeli policemen intensified their presence in the holy compound since the early morning hours to provide protection for the settlers’ break-in the Islamic body added.
Occupied Jerusalem has witnessed escalated tensions since last Friday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu banned the entry of Palestinian worshipers into al-Aqsa Mosque. Palestinian calls have been voiced meanwhile for a day of rage on Friday.
