JERUSALEM, September 20, 2026 — Hundreds of Israeli settlers entered the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday morning under heavy protection from Israeli security forces, according to the Jerusalem Governorate and Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The Jerusalem Governorate said around 570 settlers had entered the compound since the early morning, with some performing Jewish prayers and Talmudic rituals inside the courtyards. Hundreds more were reportedly gathering near the Mughrabi Gate, awaiting entry.
The latest incursions came ahead of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, which begins Sunday evening and continues until Monday evening. Israeli security forces have tightened security measures around the Old City and Al-Aqsa during the holiday period.
The incident followed a visit on Saturday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several ministers and thousands of Israelis to the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem’s Old City. The visit took place amid heightened security and ahead of Yom Kippur.
The Jerusalem Governorate also said settler groups had called for gatherings outside Bab al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy), one of Al-Aqsa’s gates, to conduct prayers and rituals during the night leading into Yom Kippur.
The Al-Aqsa compound remains a major flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly during Jewish religious holidays. Palestinian officials have repeatedly warned against changes to the longstanding arrangements governing access and worship at the site.
Note: Some reports published Sunday morning initially described the number of entrants as “around 100,” while the Jerusalem Governorate and WAFA later reported approximately 570. The higher figure is therefore used here as the latest reported count.
