2,300 Israelis enter Al-Aqsa, Ben-Gvir joins visit
Palestinian worshippers faced tight access limits as Palestinian authorities called the move a violation of the holy site's status quo.
More than 2,300 Israelis, including far-right groups, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Thursday during the Tisha B'Av observance. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was also seen entering under police escort. Palestinian authorities in Jerusalem said Israeli police enlarged the groups to about 150 people each, closed access at the mosque gates and kept many Palestinian worshippers from entering for prayer. According to the authorities, the Israeli visitors carried out Talmudic rituals, including prostration, prayer and singing inside the compound. The Palestinians described the action as a provocation and a breach of the historic and legal status quo at Al-Aqsa. They also estimated the number of visitors could rise to 5,000 later in the day.