5,209 Israeli occupiers storm Al-Aqsa in August
A total of 5,209 Israeli occupiers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem during August, while Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, injured 83 and detained 114 others, including five children, the Jerusalem Governorate said Tuesday.
The governorate said in its monthly report that incursions into the compound intensified throughout the month, with occupiers conducting Jewish religious rituals inside the site and around its gates under the protection of Israeli police.
One of the highest daily totals was recorded on Aug. 13, when 751 occupiers entered the compound, according to the report.
Israeli authorities also issued five orders preventing Palestinian citizens from entering Al-Aqsa, the governorate said.
Israeli police have allowed occupiers to enter the mosque compound since 2003. The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem maintains that Al-Aqsa is exclusively a Muslim holy site and has repeatedly called for an end to the incursions.
44 settler attacks recorded
The Jerusalem Governorate said it documented 44 attacks by Israeli occupiers against Palestinians and their property during August.
It also recorded 40 demolition and land-clearing operations targeting homes, structures and land in occupied Jerusalem. A further 86 demolition or stop-work notices and orders were issued during the month.
The governorate said the figures reflected a broader pattern of Israeli restrictions, raids and measures affecting Palestinians across occupied Jerusalem.
Tensions rise ahead of Israeli election
The developments come amid reports in Israeli media that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to escalate tensions in an effort to maintain support from far-right parties ahead of the Knesset elections scheduled for Oct. 27.
Palestinians accuse Israel of intensifying measures aimed at Judaizing occupied Jerusalem and changing the Arab and Islamic character of the city, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of their future independent state.
Across the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, Israeli forces have continued raids and arrests, while attacks by Israeli occupiers against Palestinians and their property have increased since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023.
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Source:AA
