Scores of settlers defile Aqsa Mosque

98 settlers, including 53 students of Jewish institutes, entered the Mosque in groups and toured its courtyards under tight police protection, according to the Islamic Awqaf Administration in the holy city.

The settlers reportedly received lectures on the alleged temple mount and performed some Talmudic acts of worship during the tours, especially in the eastern area of the Mosque.

The Aqsa Mosque is exposed to daily desecration by Jewish settlers and police forces in the morning and the afternoon except on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Zionist police close al-Maghariba Gate, which is used by Jews to enter the Mosque, at 10:30 am after the settlers complete their morning tours at the holy site. Later in the afternoon, the same gate is reopened for evening tours by settlers.

During the presence of settlers inside the Mosque compound, entry restrictions are imposed on Muslim worshipers at the entrances leading to the Mosque and their IDs are seized until they leave the holy place. (ILKHA)