JERUSALEM, September 20, 2026 (WAFA) — Dozens of Israeli colonists today raided the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, under heavy protection from Israeli occupation forces, amid heightened security measures in the Old City marking Yom Kippur.

The raids came after calls by groups affiliated with the so-called “Temple organizations” for mass incursions into Al-Aqsa and the imposition of new religious rituals at the holy site during the Jewish holiday season. Earlier this week, 165 colonists raided Al-Aqsa, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.

The Jerusalem Governorate had warned of escalating activity by these groups around Al-Aqsa ahead of Yom Kippur. It said colonist groups had called for gatherings outside Bab al-Rahma, one of Al-Aqsa's gates, to perform Jewish prayers and rituals.

Israeli forces have significantly tightened restrictions around the Old City and Al-Aqsa during the Jewish holidays, with Palestinian worshippers facing restrictions on access to the mosque, while Israeli colonists are provided with protection during their raids. 

The latest raids take place as the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur begins, amid concerns over attempts by groups affiliated with the so-called “Temple organizations” to introduce new rituals at Al-Aqsa and alter the longstanding status quo at the holy site.

M.N