Temple Groups Plan Talmudic Rituals Near Al-Aqsa's Mercy Gate

The Governorate of Jerusalem announced on Saturday that settler groups have called for gatherings outside the Mercy Gate, on the external wall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, at midnight. The purpose of these gatherings is to perform Talmudic rituals on the eve of the so-called "Day of Atonement." The Governorate stated in a release that the calls include performing "Selihot," which are Jewish prayers. It was noted that similar Talmudic rituals and prayers took place at the same location last Thursday evening.

These calls are part of escalating activities by Temple groups in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as they attempt to impose Jewish religious rituals and displays in the area. The Governorate's statement indicated that these actions infringe upon the sanctity of the Islamic cemetery and the surroundings of the Mercy Gate.

With the commencement of the Jewish holiday season, settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of Israeli police, have recently increased. This coincides with heightened security measures in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem and its surroundings, along with a significant deployment of Israeli forces.

The Jewish holidays began with Rosh Hashanah on September 12-13, continuing with Yom Kippur on September 21, Sukkot from September 26 to October 2, and concluding with Simchat Torah on October 3. Since 2003, Israeli police have permitted settlers to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque, despite repeated demands from the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department to halt these incursions, which have gone unheeded by Israeli authorities.