Dozens of Israeli Settlers Enter Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound Under Police Protection Country: Palestine – Occupied East Jerusalem Category: Palestine & Gaza | Islamic World | Religious Affairs Event Date: November 8, 2026 Publication Date: November 8, 2026 Region: Jerusalem Dozens of Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, November 8, and toured its courtyards for several hours under the protection of Israeli police, according to reports from Palestinian and regional news agencies. The settlers reportedly entered the compound through the Mughrabi Gate, while Israeli security forces maintained a heavy presence around the holy site. Reports of Religious Rituals Qatar News Agency, citing the Palestinian news agency WAFA and the Jerusalem Governorate, reported that some settlers performed religious rituals inside the compound. The reports also indicated that Muslim worshippers faced restrictions on accessing certain areas while the visits were taking place. Palestinian Reports Describe Further Restrictions The Palestinian Information Center reported that at least 168 settlers entered the compound in separate groups during the morning and afternoon. It also reported that Israeli police restricted the movement of Muslim worshippers and prevented some people from entering the holy site. The figure of 168 was reported by the Palestinian Information Center and has not been independently confirmed by the other cited agencies. Why Al-Aqsa Matters Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem's Old City, is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Access to the compound and activities taking place within it remain highly sensitive issues for Palestinians and Muslim communities worldwide. The longstanding arrangements governing the religious and administrative status of the site are frequently at the centre of diplomatic and political disputes. International Attention Developments at Al-Aqsa Mosque continue to attract attention from regional governments, international organisations and religious communities. Reports concerning access restrictions and religious activities at the compound are likely to remain an important issue in discussions about freedom of worship and the protection of religious sites. Islam Global News – Palestine & Gaza Desk Verification Note: The entry of settlers on November 8 was reported by SPA, QNA and other media. The figure of 168 comes from the Palestinian Information Center and should be treated as an attributed figure rather than an independently verified count. Reports of restrictions on Muslim worshippers are attributed to Palestinian sources.