Israeli settlements bloc south of Jerusalem in the West Bank
Several sources report that more than 4,000 Israeli settlers have stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on Tisha B’Av, with far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entering under heavy police protection. Palestinian officials say restrictions barred many worshippers; officials warn the move could threaten the status quo and spur regional tensions.
A large microalgae bloom has clogged intake systems at five of Israel’s six coastal desalination plants, forcing temporary shutdowns and reduced output. Scientists link the bloom to currents from the Nile Delta and warm sea temperatures; some experts say untreated sewage from Gaza has increased nutrient loads. Authorities have mobilised backup supplies and restricted agricultural use while plants recover.
Religious Zionist rabbi Dov Lior has issued a ruling that olives in the West Bank belong to the Jewish people, allowing settlers to harvest where Palestinians cannot access crops due to security restrictions. The ruling follows broader violence during the olive harvest, with clashes and property damage reported across the West Bank.