Jerusalem – On Saturday, Israeli police escorted a crowd of over 1,300 Israeli settlers into the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound, the holiest site in Islam, triggering a series of confrontations with Palestinian worshippers and security personnel. The movement of the settlers, described by Israeli authorities as a response to alleged security threats, was accompanied by uniformed police units who positioned themselves at the compound’s entrances.
According to statements released by the Israeli police, the operation was intended to prevent potential disturbances and to enforce public order. Police officials said they acted within the framework of existing regulations governing access to the site and that the presence of the settlers was monitored to avoid escalation. The police also reported that a number of individuals were detained for violating the compound’s rules, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Palestinian officials condemned the incursion, labeling it a provocation that undermined the status quo governing the holy site. Representatives of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, which administers the compound, called the event a breach of longstanding agreements that limit non‑Muslim presence in certain areas of the mosque. They reported that several worshippers were injured during the clashes, and that medical teams were called to treat the wounded.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of rising friction in the city, where previous weeks have seen a series of protests, settler demonstrations and security operations. Local residents described the atmosphere as tense, with many expressing concern over the potential for broader violence. Observers noted that the timing of the raid coincided with heightened religious observances, adding to the sensitivity of the situation.
International reactions have been swift. Diplomatic sources from the United States and the European Union urged both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to exercise restraint and to respect the delicate status quo at the site. The United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs called for an immediate de‑escalation and for the protection of worshippers’ rights to freedom of religion.
In the aftermath of the raid, Israeli security forces increased their presence around the compound, while Palestinian authorities announced plans to review security protocols within the Al‑Aqsa precinct. Both sides have signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue, though concrete steps toward a resolution have yet to be outlined.
The episode underscores the fragile nature of Jerusalem’s religious and political landscape, where actions perceived as symbolic can quickly translate into broader confrontations. Analysts note that any further incidents of this kind could exacerbate already strained relations between Israel and the Palestinian territories, potentially impacting regional stability.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/30/over-1300-settlers-raid-al-aqsa-mosque-alongside-israeli-forces?traffic_source=rss.