Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque on third day of passover

More Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque on the third day of the Jewish holiday of passover.

As reported by Middle East Monitor on April 15th, official reports from the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem claimed that 1,220 settlers entered the site with the protection of Israeli police.

Eye witness accountss report seeing Israeli settlers enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque visa the Al-Mugharbah Gate.

Settlers have been enetring the mosque every day during the passover holiday, with an estimated 494 entering on the first day and 1,149 more entering on the second day of the holiday.

Whilst numbers have been high during passover, the stormings are not unique to the holiday.

According to figures released by the Jerusalem governor claim that 13,064 settlers stormed the mosque in the first quarter of 2025.

Despite police repeatedly aiding Jewish citizens entering the mosque, the Israeli government restricted access to the mosque for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan this year.

The authorities claimed that “the usual restrictions will be in place as they have been every year,” before saying that the restrictions will only target “people seeking to foment violence and attacks.”

The mosque has been a flashpoint for conflict since Israel started letting settlers into the site in 2003.

It is considered as the third holiest site in the world for Muslims however the Jewish faith claims that it is the site of two ancient Jewish temples.

Since Israel began their occupation of Gaza following Hamas’ attacks on October 7th 2023, life has been increasingly difficult for the Muslim population living in Jerusalem.

Israel’s occupation of Gaza is continuing on despite growing international condemnation of their actions, including from groups such as the United Nations.

Israeli minister Amit Halevi, a member of the ruling Likud party, told Radio 103FM that: “We want to occupy the territory (Gaza) to cleanse it of the enemy – otherwise, it will kill your children and kidnap your grandchildren again.”

Hamas has claimed willingness to reenter ceasefire negotiations however Israel has shown no interest in reengaging.

Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi