RAMALLAH, June 7, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said Israeli authorities continued their violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites during May, documenting 23 colonist incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the prevention of the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron on 74 occasions.

According to the ministry’s monthly report, Israeli forces also imposed stricter restrictions on access to Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing large numbers of Palestinians from entering the compound to pray.

The report said thousands of Israeli colonists stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Moroccan Gate during morning and afternoon incursions under heavy police protection. The largest incursion was recorded on May 14, coinciding with what Israeli groups refer to as “Jerusalem Day,” when more than 1,400 colonists, including ministers, Knesset members, and other extremist figures, entered the site.

The ministry noted that extremist Temple groups continued campaigns encouraging larger incursions and advocating measures aimed at imposing Israeli sovereignty over the mosque compound. It also 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 the restrictions, the ministry said tens of thousands of Palestinians attended weekly Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, while 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 continued restrictions, including the closure of sections of the mosque, obstacles faced by staff and worshippers, repeated delays to the call to prayer, and intensive inspections of visitors.

M.N