Thousands of settlers, under the heavy protection of Israeli forces, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Tuesday. The Islamic Waqf, responsible for managing the site, reported that approximately 1,200 settlers entered the mosque during the first two hours, organized into large groups and escorted by the police.

The Israeli incursion coincides with the Jewish observance of Tisha B'Av, a day of fasting that commemorates the destruction of the two ancient Israeli temples thought to have stood on the same site as Al-Aqsa. Right-wing Israeli groups had called for a mass entry into the mosque to mark this day, leading to increased tensions and a significant rise in the number of settlers participating in these incursions, which typically increase during Jewish religious festivities.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure among extremist factions, accompanied the settlers along with Negev and Galilee Minister Yitzhak Vaserlo. Ben-Gvir's frequent presence at these events is seen as bolstering settler activities, often fueling further tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The ministers, along with their retinue, entered the mosque through the Moroccan Gate (Bab al-Maghariba), an entrance frequently used for such incursions due to its controlled access by Israeli police.

Local sources and various news agencies, including Al Hurra and WAFA, reported that the police imposed strict measures to facilitate the settlers' entry. They restricted the access of Palestinian worshippers, turning the Old City of Jerusalem into a military zone with checkpoints and heavy police presence at all entry points to the mosque. The Times of Israel noted that security forces delayed group entries after initially permitting large congregations, eventually reducing the group sizes to no more than 50 persons at a time.

The United States Embassy in Israel responded sternly to the events, with a spokesperson stating that Washington firmly supports maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem. The spokesperson criticized unilateral actions disrupting this balance, describing them as unacceptable and highlighting the need for all parties to respect the existing arrangements.

Palestinian sources, including the Palestinian Authority's official news outlet WAFA, condemned the incursions as a desecration of holy grounds, performed under the pretext of security and in stark defiance of Islamic sanctity. The heavy police presence and restrictions led to significant disruptions for Palestinian worshippers and residents, further escalating an already tense situation in the city.

This latest series of incursions into the holy site has exacerbated the already volatile situation in Jerusalem, with growing concerns over renewed violence. The international community remains highly attentive, with many voices urging restraint and the preservation of historical agreements governing access to the mosque.

Observers highlight that such actions by Israeli officials, particularly those with extremist leanings, often undermine efforts towards peace and stability in the region. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, a site revered equally by Muslims and Jews, frequently becomes a flashpoint for conflict as disagreements over its control and access continue to drive deeper wedges between communities.

In contrast, right-wing Israeli groups view these incursions as an assertion of their historical and religious claims to the land. They argue that Jewish access to the Temple Mount should not be limited, citing their religious traditions that tie the site to their historical temples. Thus, every incursion and subsequent response becomes part of a broader narrative of religious entitlement and historical grievance.

As tensions remain high, both local and international actors are urged to mediate and encourage dialogue, avoiding further exacerbation of the conflict. Any disturbance to the delicate status quo at such a significant site could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Jerusalem but for the wider region.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether the current escalation will spiral into more widespread unrest or if diplomatic efforts can contain the situation. The challenge remains for policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society to navigate these deeply rooted tensions with caution, seeking paths to peaceful coexistence amid persistent division.