Illegal Israeli settlers storm into Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, perform Talmudic rituals

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Dozens of illegal Israeli settlers on Wednesday forced their way into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem under the protection of the Israeli security forces.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa quoted witnesses in the mosque who said dozens of settlers broke into the mosque in groups, made provocative tours inside and performed Talmudic rituals.

The Israeli forces imposed tightened restrictions on the entry of worshippers to the mosque, while hundreds of Israeli forces were deployed in Jerusalem's Old City area leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, Wafa added.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Palestinians hold firm to East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa Mosque is located, as the capital of their hoped-for state, citing international resolutions that do not recognize Israel's occupation of the city in 1967 or its annexation in 1981.