Jerusalem’s holy hill, cradle of temples, now site of Al-Aqsa
Tens of thousands of Israeli nationalist marchers have marched through Jerusalem's Old City for Jerusalem Day, chanting anti‑Palestinian slogans, vandalising property and prompting many Palestinian shopkeepers to shut. Far‑right ministers have entered the Al‑Aqsa/Temple Mount compound and unfurled an Israeli flag. Activists have deployed to protect locals and regional governments have condemned the incursions.
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.
Arab and Islamic states are pressing for international action to halt Israeli measures at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites as tensions rise ahead of October elections. Jordan will host a high‑level ministerial meeting to address the crisis, warning of potential regional instability if the status quo is altered.