[59659] Escalation on the Temple Mount: A wave of incursions by settlers to mark the Hebrew Jerusalem Day

Escalation at the Al-Aqsa compound: Extensive incursions and religious rituals

During Thursday, May 14, 2026, it was reported on Quds News Network regarding a wave of incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque by hundreds of settlers, who performed what were described by the sources as "Talmudic rituals" and "prostrate worship" (epic prostration). According to the sources, the activity is taking place under heavy protection by Israeli security forces to mark Jerusalem Day according to the Hebrew calendar.

In joint reports by Gaza Now and Al-Qastal News | Jerusalem, it was noted that the participants broke into dances and singing within the mosque courtyards. Abdallah Maarouf added that the police imposed strict restrictions on the entry of Muslim worshippers, while preventing the entry of men under the age of 60 and women under the age of 50, and even forced business owners in the Old City to close their shops.

Shehab Agency | Urgent emphasized that this is a "compensatory incursion" due to the fear of the gates being closed on Friday, May 15. At the same time, Palestinian sources, including Al Jazeera Quds, reported the participation of Knesset members such as Ariel Kallner and Yehuda Glick in these actions, which increased tensions on the ground.

Sources identified with the resistance, such as Enemy Monitoring and Al Mayadeen Channel, defined the events as a "blatant violation of the sanctity of the mosque" and noted that this is "part of an ongoing campaign over the site, identity, and sovereignty." The sources point out that this is a significant change in the status quo since 1967.