Jerusalem: The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that Israeli authorities continued their actions against Islamic and Christian holy sites in May, noting 23 colonist incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and 74 instances where the call to prayer was prevented at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the ministry's monthly report highlighted that Israeli forces imposed stricter restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing many Palestinians from entering the compound to pray. The report detailed that thousands of Israeli colonists entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate during morning and afternoon incursions, under heavy police protection. The largest incursion occurred on May 14, aligning with 'Jerusalem Day,' when over 1,400 colonists, including ministers, Knesset members, and extremist figures, entered the site.
The ministry also emphasized that extremist Temple groups continued campaigns encouraging larger incursions and promoting measures to impose Israeli sovereignty over the mosque compound. The report documented an increase in religious rituals and activities performed by colonists inside the courtyards, including public prayers, prostrations, singing, dancing, and the raising of Israeli flags.
Despite these restrictions, the ministry stated that tens of thousands of Palestinians attended weekly Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and approximately 140,000 worshippers performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the site.
Regarding the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, the ministry documented the entry of 425 Israeli soldiers into the mosque compound during May. It also reported ongoing restrictions, such as the closure of sections of the mosque, obstacles faced by staff and worshippers, repeated delays to the call to prayer, and extensive inspections of visitors.