Record 1,678 Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa During Jewish Yom Kippur
A record 1,678 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem over Sunday and Monday, coinciding with the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday. The Jerusalem Governorate reported that 992 settlers entered on Sunday, the eve of Yom Kippur, and 686 on Monday, the day of the holiday itself. These numbers represent the highest recorded for this occasion, according to the Governorate's records.
The Governorate explained that the incursions were spread over two days due to the nature of Yom Kippur, known as the "Sabbath of Sabbaths" in Judaism, during which observant Jews abstain from eating, drinking, working, and traveling. This often leads to groups associated with "Temple" movements organizing "compensatory incursions" on the day before the holiday.
During the incursions, settlers reportedly performed public and collective prayers and rituals, brought religious items, and were accompanied by Israeli government officials. On Sunday, settlers engaged in public prayers and rituals, including dancing, clapping, and prostrating, in various parts of the compound, particularly the eastern plaza. Some settlers were seen wearing prayer shawls and phylacteries, carrying prayer books and papers with specific rituals.
The Israeli police facilitated the distribution of these prayer papers at the mosque's entrances, a practice the Governorate noted has escalated this year, indicating an "increase in the imposition of Torah instruments inside Al-Aqsa Mosque." This follows a recent incident where the shofar, a ram's horn, was blown inside the mosque approximately 30 times on September 13th, during the Jewish New Year.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was among those who entered the compound on Sunday, leading a group of settlers in prayers. This marked Ben-Gvir's 20th visit to Al-Aqsa since taking office in early 2023. The Governorate warned that these events represent a escalation aimed at establishing new realities within the mosque, potentially undermining the historical and legal status quo, the authority of the Jordanian-administered Jerusalem Waqf, and freedom of worship and access.
Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day in Judaism, began on Sunday evening and concluded Monday evening. Israel imposed widespread restrictions on vehicle movement during the holiday, with flights halted at Israeli airports and border crossings closed for varying periods.
