By In occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinian worshippers at Bab as-Silsila, one of the main entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. On Sunday, Israeli authorities implemented stringent security measures, which included removing worshippers from Al-Aqsa Mosque and increasing their presence around the area. This action led to the denial of access to Palestinians under the age of 50, as part of a clearance operation to accommodate Israeli settlers for Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Certain Israeli settler groups had been demanding unrestricted entry to the compound to mark Rosh Hashanah, a significant Jewish holiday, at what is known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, hundreds of ultranationalist Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa courtyard via the Morocco Gate, with the protection of Israeli troops. Some Muslim worshippers had gathered at this holy site after morning prayers to voice their objections to the presence and disturbances caused by Israeli settlers.
Reports indicate that Israeli forces physically assaulted and beat three worshippers, including an elderly man and woman, near Bab as-Silsila. The Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department confirmed that the army was working to clear the compound in preparation for the settler incursion.
In response to the settler demand for unrestricted access to the compound during Rosh Hashanah, a number of Muslim worshippers assembled at the sacred site after dawn prayers to express their discontent with the harassment and intrusions by Israeli settlers.
Inside the compound, two men were arrested and taken to an undisclosed location. Video footage capturing settlers touring the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard during these events circulated on social media.
