Tensions Escalate in East al-Quds Following Incursions into Holy Sites

Tensions escalated in holy sites in occupied East al-Quds due to incursions by Israeli officials and settlers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured tunnels beneath East Jerusalem’s Old City on Saturday night, September 19, before joining Selichot prayers at the Western Wall. On Sunday morning, September 20, Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, with the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate reporting about 570 settlers entered the courtyards by 10 am local time under Israeli police protection. Hamas condemned Netanyahu's entry into the compound, stating it was a flagrant assault on its identity.

The incursions have led to international condemnation from the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs. The committee stated that the entire Al Aqsa Mosque compound is exclusively for Muslim worship, as affirmed by UNESCO resolutions. The organization called on the international community and the UN to fulfill their legal obligations to protect the holy sites.

Religious tensions have been escalating in Jerusalem's holy sites, leading to accusations that the government is normalizing hostility. Netanyahu's government is reportedly advancing a religious nationalist agenda.